Salman Khan to Play 40-year-old Boxer in Yash Raj Film's 'Sultan'?

Boxing seems to have taken Bollywood by a storm. After Priyanka Chopra boxed her way to glory with "Mary Kom" and Aamir Khan recently made headlines for his upcoming film "Dangal", in which he plays a boxer, reports have been doing the rounds that Salman Khan too will pick up his boxing gloves for Yash Raj's "Sultan".

The "Kick" star, who is currently busy with Kabir Khan's "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and Sooraj Barjatya's "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", is expected to start shooting for the film in September this year. However, since his role in "Sultan" directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, requires him to undergo strict physical regime, the superstar isn't sure as to how to get into the tough role of a boxer with his packed schedule.

"In Sultan, Salman plays the title role of a 40-year old boxer. It'd require a huge amount of preparation. Salman would have to change his entire physique and body language. I would entail many months of a strict exercise regime and a new diet control so he can acquire a boxer's body. With his heavy commitments, Salman is not sure how he will be able to give Sultan the time attention and single-minded focus it requires." a source told DNA.

"Sultan" has Deepika Padukone playing the female lead and is looking at a 2016 Eid release. This is the first time Salman and Padukone will share the screen space in a film. Earlier, Padukone was approached to romance Salman in Karan Johar's "Shuddhi", but the actress turned down the project due to reasons best known to her.

Interestingly, Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra will also be seen as boxers in Johar's upcoming film "Brothers".

There were also reports that Salman will be producing a film based on the legendary wrestler Gama Pehalwan, in which brother Sohail Khan will essay the role of Pehalwan.