Salman Khan (R) and Katrina Kaif
Salman Khan and Katrina KaifReuters

Bollywood actor Salman Khan will appear on the big screen in an action avatar with "Sultan" this year. After showing his soft side in "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", he will now be playing the character of a wrestler in "Sultan", which has still not found its leading actress.

Produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, "Sultan" is making headlines since the beginning regarding the cast of the film's lead actress. Several names, including those of Mandana Karimi, Scarlett Wilson, Deepika Padukone, Parineeti Chopra, have emerged, but it seems the makers have not cast anyone yet.

The recent buzz is Salman's ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif met the actor at Yash Raj Studios, where he was shooting for the film. She requested her "Ek Tha Tiger" co-star to help her bag the role of the lead actress in "Sultan", SpotboyE reported.

"Katrina desperately wants a Yash Raj film and openly asked Ali and Salman to cast her in the role. However, since the leading lady needs to be fluent in Haryanvi, her getting cast is very, very unlikely," a source told SpotboyE.

Katrina and director Ali are good friends as he latter has directed the actress in the film "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan". The report further suggests Katrina has been in touch with Ali for a few days.

Whether Katrina really wants this opportunity or it give his beau Ranbir Kapoor a dose of his own medicine for doing a film with Deepika Padukone, nobody can tell. Meanwhile, the actress will appear in "Fitoor", "Jagga Jasoos" and "Baar Baar Dekho".

On the other hand, "Sultan" is slated to release on Eid this year. It is likely to clash with Shah Rukh Khan's "Raees", which will also hit the theatres at the same time.