Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
Pictured: Shahid Kapoor at a magazine cover launch; Deepika Padukone at Tamasha promotions.Varinder Chawla

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ambitious Padmavati has been surrounded by controversies ever since it was first announced. The latest gossip is that apparently the lead pair — Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor — aren't of the same height.

It is being said that Kapoor has been asked to figure a way to match up to Padukone's height — heels and such, the Times of India reported. Because the film has already been delayed by a few months (it was supposed to roll sometime in September), the team cannot afford another hold-up and, therefore, the stars need a quick solution to the problem.

Generally, for any other film, the difference in height wouldn't have been much of a problem. But the premise of Padmavati is such that Kapoor needs to look taller than Padukone. The kings and rulers of ancient times were taller than their wives and that's how the height is crucial to the story line. Unless, of course, the makers are comfortable courting unnecessary controversy around the film's release.

What else is happening with Padmavati?

While Ranveer Singh has wrapped up a few scenes before jetting off to the United Kingdom for Befikre promotions, Padukone has begun with a folk song shoot. Kapoor has just returned from a family vacation and will be starting on the project soon.

In other news, there's been quite a noise about how Singh and Kapoor do not get along; the primary reason being the latter has an equally substantial role in the film and has intimate scenes with former's girlfriend, Padukone. However, the Rangoon star's recent statement will put a lid on all speculations.

"It's a great opportunity for all three of us. It's a great role for Deepika, it's a fantastic role for Ranveer and a great role for me. I am so happy that the film has been cast the way it has and it is getting made. I hope we come out with a great cinematic experience for the audience because that is what all of us want," Kapoor said on the sidelines of Jio MAMI festival 2016.