Nearly twenty-five years after reports of a professional fallout during the casting of Devdas, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Kareena Kapoor Khan could be heading towards their first collaboration.
According to a report published by Bollywood Hungama, Bhansali has approached Kareena to play the female lead in an upcoming production. While the project has not yet been officially announced and no casting has been confirmed by the makers, the development has generated considerable interest among Bollywood followers.
If the collaboration moves forward, it would mark the first time the filmmaker and the actor work together after years of speculation surrounding their professional relationship.
The Reported ‘Devdas’ Casting Disagreement
The reported differences between Bhansali and Kareena date back to the early 2000s during the casting of Devdas.
At the time, Kareena reportedly participated in a look test for the film and was widely believed to be under consideration for one of the lead roles. However, the part eventually went to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Media reports from that period suggested Kareena was disappointed with the outcome and chose not to collaborate with the director thereafter. Neither Bhansali nor Kareena has publicly revisited the matter in detail in recent years, and much of the narrative remains based on reports from that time.
A Missed Collaboration on ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’
Several years later, Bhansali cast Kareena in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.
However, the actor exited the project shortly before filming began. Kareena later explained that her decision resulted from changing circumstances, while contemporary industry reports linked the exit to scheduling and professional commitments.
The role was ultimately played by Deepika Padukone, and the film went on to become a major commercial and critical success.
What the New Report Says
According to the latest report, Dhanush is expected to headline the untitled project, with Bhansali producing the film rather than directing it.
The report further states that acclaimed Tamil filmmaker P. S. Mithran, known for films such as Irumbu Thirai, Hero, and Sardar, is expected to direct the project.
The screenplay is reportedly in development, with pre-production expected to begin in November, while principal photography is tentatively planned for January 2027.
As of now, neither Bhansali’s production house nor Kareena Kapoor Khan has officially confirmed the casting.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Recent and Upcoming Projects
Kareena Kapoor Khan was most recently seen in Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, where she appeared alongside an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff.
She also received appreciation for her performance in The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta.
The actor is next scheduled to appear in Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
Although reports of a possible reunion have generated excitement, the project remains in its early stages.
Until an official announcement is made by the filmmakers or the actors involved, details regarding the cast, production schedule and storyline should be treated as unconfirmed.
If finalised, the collaboration would bring together one of Bollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers and one of its leading actors for the first time, making it one of the industry’s most closely watched upcoming projects.
