Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor
Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shahid KapoorVarinder Chawla

Two-hero projects can get tricky for actors, which is why it is only wise to let them know what they are getting into well in advance.

Shahid Kapoor is said to have been approached for the role of Deepika Padukone's husband in "Padmavati." It is a well-written, strong part. Rumour has it that Ranveer Singh, who will play shrewd ruler Alauddin Khilji in the project, had requested for a script narration from director Sanjay Leela Bhansali after he learnt of Shahid coming on board.

"To be fair, Ranveer has every right to ask to see the script when there is another hero in the film. Especially because this is the first time he plays a negative character, which goes against his good boy image, while Shahid plays a dashing Indian Raja. Ranveer's insecurity stemmed from there, and he asked for a narration before he started shooting for the film," a source told DNA.

It was earlier reported that either Hrithik Roshan or Shah Rukh Khan would replace Ranveer Singh, but none of that seems to be happening any longer. 

Apparently, Sanjay has decided on giving Ranveer a joint narration with Shahid; just like the one he had received for Ali Abbas Zafar's "Gunday." "Some of Ranveer's contemporaries have had bad experiences in two-hero projects, so he is being extra careful. It is better to be safe than sorry," the source added.

All this is just a speculation at this point; official announcement is awaited.

"Padmavati" is expected to roll sometime later this month.

What else do we know about the film?

Shahid wasn't the only one in running for the role of Deepika's onscreen husband. The makers were considering Vicky Kaushal, Fawad Khan, Shah Rukh and Hrithik at one point. While the leading lady wasn't interested in working with Vicky, since he isn't an established star yet, the makers wanted to explore Hrithik and Deepika's onscreen chemistry. SRK and Fawad didn't have dates to spare.