Dabangg 3 to release in Eid 2018; Sonakshi Sinha confirms being a part of Salman Khan's film
Dabangg 3 is likely to be released on the occasion of Eid 2018. Pictured: Salman Khan at a special screening of Bajrangi Bhaijaan.Varinder Chawla

Here's some good news for fans of Salman Khan. The makers of Dabangg 3 have locked Eid 2018 as the film's release date.

While rumours had it that Parineeti Chopra would replace Sonakshi Sinha as the female lead in the third instalment of Salman's hit franchise, Sonakshi herself has now confirmed that she is very much part of Dabangg 3. Although the makers are still working on the script, the actress has confirmed that she will reprise her character of Rajjo even if it is a short role.

"They are still working on the script. We don't know if it will be a prequel or a sequel," she told the Times of India, adding, "If there is Rajjo in the story, it will be played by me, irrespective of the length of the role. No one else will play Rajjo, even if it means me being a photo on the wall. 'Dabangg' made me who I am today. I'm always there for that franchise."

Sonakshi, who made her Bollywood debut with Dabangg and was a part of the second instalment of the film as well, is currently basking in the glory of her latest release Akira, where she was seen in a refreshingly new avatar.

Meanwhile, Salman is busy with back-to-back films until the end of 2017. While he is currently shooting for Kabir Khan's Tubelight, the actor will soon start Yash Raj Film's Tiger Zinda Hai, which will be directed by his Sultan director Abbas Zafar. Salman's packed schedule is the reason Dabangg 3 would be started in early 2018 and released on the festive occasion of Eid that year.