Padmavati: Will Shah Rukh Khan or Hrithik Roshan sign on opposite Deepika Padukone?

Speculation surrounding the starcast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next, Padmavati, is at an all-time high after Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone confirmed their roles in the period drama.

A few days ago, Deepika confirmed that she would essay the titular role of Padmavati, while Ranveer Singh will play the anti-hero, Alauddin Khilji. The rumour mills worked overtime after it was reported that Deepika had turned down the makers' proposal to cast Vicky Kaushal as Padmavati's husband, Rana Rattan Singh.

According to reports, Deepika was not too pleased at the prospect of romancing a newcomer like Kaushal.

However, work on the film seems to be going at full-speed. According to the latest update about the film, the makers may approach either Shah Rukh Khan or Hrithik Roshan to play Rana Rattan Singh opposite Deepika's Padmavati.

While there is still no confirmation from the production house, a leading daily has reported that Bhansali wants an experienced actor for his project.

While Bhansali wants to approach SRK, he is also keen to explore the chemistry between Deepika and Hrithik - who have not been paired opposite each other yet.

The report quotes a sources saying:

"Bhansali is looking for an established actor since it is a powerful role and will challenge Ranveer Singh's anti-hero, Alauddin Khilji. There has to be some chemistry between the actor and Deepika, especially for intimate scenes. Who better than an SRK or a Hrithik to play king Rawal Ratan Singh to the beautiful Padmavati?"

There has been no official confirmation from the Bhansali camp yet.

-- quote from Mid-Day