Akshay Kumar "Tatya Tope" and Deepika Padukone "Rani Laxmibai "

Akshay Kumar "Tatya Tope" and Deepika Padukone "Rani Laxmibai "

Akshay Kumar to play Tatya Tope and Deepika Padukone, Rani Laxmibai in a period film

If all goes well, Deepika Padukone will be seen essaying the role of the Rani Laxmibai in a film co-produced by the Information and Broadcast Ministry and Bollywood producer Firoz Nadiadwala. As a part of the 150th anniversary celebration of the First War of Independence, the ministry has commissioned filmmaker Vinay Shukla to direct a film with a backdrop of the revolt and showcase the unified efforts of leaders like Tatya Tope, Rani Laxmibai and Nansaheb Peshwa.

A reliable source informs, “Yes, Deepika Padukone has given her assent to the film. She is extremely thrilled about the historical role. However, she is yet to give her dates for the film.”
Interestingly, Rani Laxmibai has
evoked a lot of curiosity from filmmakers and producers alike. However, none of the films have hit the floors yet. While Sushmita Sen continues to prepare for her directorial debut based on Rani Laxmibai's life and times, Ketan Mehta's paean to the Rani of Jhansi, featuring Aishwarya Rai, has been put on hold for reasons best known to him. However, director Vinay Shukla is far from bothered about the films having similar content. He says, “My story is told from Tope's point of view, and revolves around his friendship with Rani Laxmibai and Nanasaheb Peshwa.” When quizzed about his leading lady Deepika, he says, “A prominent new star has been finalised for the role but I cannot reveal any names.”
Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar will play the role of Tatya Tope. However, the actor is yet to give his dates for the film. “Akshay is certainly being considered for the role of Tatya Tope, but we are yet to finalise his dates. I'm told Firoz Nadiadwala has discussed the story with him and he has shown remarkable interest in the project,” says Shukla.
Akshay and Deepika, who are presently filming for Nikhil Advani's Chandni Chowk to China, are quite keen on teaming up yet again. An industry insider reveals, “They have got along very well, and are now keen on signing this big-budget period film.”