Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Kareena Kapoor Khan in talks for potential collaboration after two-decade rift
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Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is reportedly in discussions to cast Kareena Kapoor Khan in his upcoming production, signaling a potential reconciliation between the two industry heavyweights after nearly 25 years of professional estrangement. The move, if finalized, would mark a significant collaborative comeback for the director and the veteran actress.
The rift between the two dates back to the early 2000s, when Kapoor Khan auditioned for the iconic role of Paro in Bhansali’s magnum opus, “Devdas.” Following the casting of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the role, reports from the time suggested that Kapoor Khan felt overlooked, leading her to distance herself from the filmmaker. The tension persisted despite a later opportunity for them to work together on the 2013 film “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.” In that instance, the actress opted out due to scheduling conflicts, a decision that reportedly caught the director by surprise and further deepened the professional divide.
Industry buzz suggests that the tide has turned as Bhansali scouts for the lead cast of his new production. Sources indicate that the director is eyeing Kapoor Khan to star alongside actor Dhanush. While the project remains in the development phase, preliminary reports suggest that the actress has expressed interest in the script.
The film is set to be directed by Tamil filmmaker PS Mithran, known for his work on “Irumbu Thirai,” “Hero,” and “Sardar.” With the script currently under refinement, the production team is expected to begin pre-production work in November. If the project adheres to the current timeline, principal photography is scheduled to commence in January 2027.
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