Has Sanjay Leela Bhansali refused to direct Draupadi starring Deepika?

There are projects that directors work on for many years which are often called ‘ambitious projects’. These projects are no ordinary creations rather a lot goes on to make certain scenes, which is designed with the smallest detail in mind. Actors too express their desire to work on specific storylines and want a particular director for it.

The same happened with Deepika Padukone, who announced Draupadi as one of her upcoming projects. She had the script and screenplay finalized and wanted Sanjay Leela Bhansali to direct the movie. But the director politely refused the offer.

The duo collaborated for three movies before Padukone made this offer. As per the industry sources, there is some bad blood between the two. Bhansali had reportedly offered Gangubhai Kathiawadi to Deepika before finalising it with Alia Bhatt but Deepika refused the offer.

Earlier the two worked in Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmavat. All the three creations were hugely successful at the box office. They are reportedly in an unsaid war with each other, reveals the industry insider. They are trying to get better off each other after there were creative differences between the two during Padmavat.

However, when these reports saw the light of the day, both sides refuted the claim. The source asserted that there is no issue between the two and they are bonding the usual way. The source also added that Deepika Padukone has always treated Bhansali like a mentor and continues to do so.

An entertainment website revealed that when Padukone announced the epic, she did not think or finalize on the name of the director. Since the story was a huge deal for the Indian audience and was based on mythology, she wanted Bhansali to direct it. But as soon as Bhansali refused the offer, she was shocked, Bhansali had pressure to make his dream project Gangubai Kathiawadi at that time.

Things got worse when Padukone didn’t only refuse to work in Kathiawadi but also a web series which was being directed by Bhansali. Then again, discussions regarding another project Baiju Bawra was also put aside as the clashes increased.

Having said that, the insider also revealed that despite all the tensions, there is no way that the two will continue to pull each other down. They are thorough professionals and when Bhansali approaches Padukone with a script that she likes, she will never deny the opportunity to work with him again.