Bhansali's next to reportedly star Madhuri, Rani, Sonam

The film will be based on the notorious female gangster Gangubai Kothewala

Bollywood film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his larger than life films. The director has worked with some of the finest stars of the industry which includes the likes of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji and his favourite on-screen pair, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.

Salman Khan to star in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film after 11 years

Bhansali's last mangum opus Padmaavat received a ton of criticism ahead of its release. Now, he plans to revive his project from 10 years ago, reported DNA India.

Tentatively titled Heera Mandi, the film is said to be based on the notorious female gangster Gangubai Kothewala and revolve around the lives of prostitutes. Known as the Madam of Kamathipura, she was reportedly running numerous brothels in Mumbai. She was also quite popular amongst the masses for protecting women who were forced into prostitution.

PHOTO: MASALA

Rumours state that the film will be boasting a star cast of Dixit, Mukerji and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja. However, the main lead might be essayed by Priyanka Chopra as Bhansali is writing the script keeping her in mind.

It was earlier reported that the film will star local actor Imran Abbas, however, the Bajirao Mastani director denied all such claims. He said, "These are all rumours. He is definitely not in the film. This news is completely false. I would rather cast an Indian actor for the role."

PHOTO: CATCH NEWS

News of Bhansali's film on prostitution started back in 2008. But the film-maker stated that it would still take him another few years to get it on floors. In 2013, reports of its production surfaced again. However, the 55-year-old director stated that it was shelved for an indefinite time.

He said, "Right now, I am living Ram Leela and my other four projects. Nothing else comes to my mind. The film on Gangubai Kothewala is definitely a project that I dream of making. But officially, as of now, it’s all Ram Leela."

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Bhansali is one of the most celebrated film-makers of Bollywood. His films have often become block busters including Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Black, Devdas and Guzaarish, which have been lauded by audiences worldwide.

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