After months of speculations regarding the female lead actor in Salman Khan starrer "Sultan", latest reports suggest that Deepika Padukone has been finalised to star opposite Salman in the film.

Earlier, the "Piku" actress had declined the offer citing date issues, but looks like the actress has finally given her nod. 

If it is indeed true, then this will be the first time Salman and Deepika will share screen space in a film.

Further, there were reports that the film will have two leading ladies. But refuting the rumours, a source close to the project told Asian Age: "There is only one heroine in Sultan and it's a very spirited and sassy character. Deepika is most likely to play the role."

Meanwhile, Salman, who is riding high with the success of his recently released film "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", will soon start shooting for "Sultan".

Yash Raj Film's "Sultan" will see Salman playing a 40-year-old boxer, for which he is undergoing a strict physical regimen to get into the skin of the character. The actor is being trained in mixed martial arts by Hollywood action director Larnell Stovall and his team.

"The film's first schedule begins on November 21 and Salman will begin shoot without a heroine. The makers haven't decided the female lead. Aditya Chopra has been rejecting all the girls who auditioned for the film. Especially the newcomers. The unit is quite stressed because of this and have now decided to begin shooting Salman's scenes," a source told Bolly wood lIfe.

On the other hand, Deepika will soon be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao Mastani".