Anushka Sharma to romance Aamir Khan

t’s confirmed. After months of speculation about the female lead in Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet, Anushka Sharma has been declared the chosen one. The actor is all set to star with Ranbir Kapoor in the much-talked-about film.

Though Anurag Kashyap isn’t ready to divulge the details or

confirm the news yet, industry insiders say it was an issue of clashing shooting schedules that initially prevented Anushka from accepting the part. Apparently, she was already in talks with Rajkumar Hirani for his film, Peekay, and both the movies needed her dates around the same time (October to November).

However, the dilemma seems to have solved itself, as BV will now only start shooting till next year. “There were definitely some date issues she was dealing with. That’s why the BV makers weren’t 100 per cent sure that she would sign. But now that the film has been pushed to next year, she can easily fit both in her schedule. She had already been confirmed for Peekay,” says an insider from BV’s team.

A few days ago, rumours were rife that Ranbir had recommended Anushka for the film. But Anurag remained unwilling to confirm this. “Please wait for the official announcement. Until things are locked, it doesn’t make sense to take names because they might change later,” he tells us.

The film is supposed to be a period drama based on Mumbai Fables, a series of essays on Bombay written by historian Gyan Prakash. While Ranbir reportedly plays a hero of the masses, Anushka is likely to essay the role of a Christian girl.

The reason why two prominent filmmakers are vying for Anushka’s time isn’t hard to understand. “The logic is simple: in that age group, she is the most talented actor in Bollywood. You don’t have an option as good as Anushka,” says the insider. “Raju Hirani and Aamir choose Anushka (for Peekay), so it shows that she is in for big things in the future.”

Hirani’s Peekay goes on the floors first (towards the end of this year) followed by Bombay Velvet early next year. “Both the films are going to be very big in terms of cast and budget. Each may require as many as 150 to 200 actors. The casting for Peekay has already begun,” the insider further says.