Sanjay Leela Bhansali replaced Priyanka Chopra at the last minute with

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raas Leela:
Ram Leela starring Deepika Padukone and
Ranveer Singh was a blockbuster. The film's
highlight is Ranveer Singh and Deepika
Padukone's chemistry. The lead actors also,
incidentally fell in love on the sets of the film.
After Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram Leela,
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in two
more films- Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat.
Now, as per journalist Bharathi Pradhan's
book, Priyanka Chopra: The Dark Horse, after
Kareena Kapoor opted out of Sanjay Leela
Bhansali's film, Priyanka Chopra agreed to
play the role of the female lead. However, the
director replaced Priyanka with Deepika
Padukone at the last minute.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions' former
CEO, Sandeep Singh was quoted saying, "It
was her desire to work with Bhansali and I
believe that to this day, no film has fully
tapped her talent. Anyway, shooting started
with Deepika. PC was understandably no
longer on talking terms with us.
Priyanka Chopra, however starred in Mary
Kom after the Ram Leela fiasco and also did
a special dance number for Ram Leela- Ram
Chaahe Leela.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, "When creative
people get together, it's important they
realise that what they're creating is more
important than you or me. Then came Mary
Kom and I realised that this was a film she
should do and must do but (given the
strained circumstances) whether she would
or not.But she also understood that this was
a separate film, an independent idea, not
linked with the other film. She doesn't let go
of opportunities.
CREDITS: THE TELEGRAPH, PRIYANKA CHOPRA:
THE DARK HORSE BY BHARATHI PRADHAN.

https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/sanjay-leela-bhansali-replaced-priyanka-chopra-last-minute-deepika-padukone-ram-leela-413567.