Katrina Kaif replaces Priyanka Chopra in Ali Abbas Zafar's 'Bharat'

While several names including Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez were doing the rounds as a replacement to Priyanka Chopra, after she walked out of Salman Khan's Bharat - it is now confirmed that it will be Katrina Kaif who will be Bhai's new heroine.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Leaves Salman Khan's  Bharat' For Nick Jonas?

Katrina Kaif will start shooting for the ambitious, big budget film in September. Ali Abbas Zafar confirmed the fact that Katrina has indeed stepped into Priyanka's role. Zafar, who has previously directed Salman and Katrina in Tiger Zinda Hai, says:

"I am extremely excited to work with Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan once again for Bharat. We have had exciting collaborations in the past and it is very interesting to work with the duo once again. Katrina got on board in the Nick of time for the project and it is very delightful to work with the immensely talented actress yet again.

Ali Abbas Zafar, Filmmaker

Bharat went on floors in July with its first schedule, which included a grand circus sequence featuring Salman Khan and Disha Patani.

Priyanka Chopra, who had earlier been signed on to play the leading lady in Bharatopted out last week due to personal reasons - reportedly her upcoming wedding with now fianc Nick Jonas.

Also Read: It's Official! Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Are Engaged!

It was director Zafar who first hinted via a tweet that it was "Nick who was behind Priyanka's exit from Bharat.

(The Quint is now on WhatsApp. To receive handpicked stories