MUMBAI — Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Deepika Padukone in "Ram Leela," and he wanted to direct the sultry actress in his upcoming film "Bajirao Mastani" as well. But Padukone has given her dates to Karan Johar's film, "Shuddhi," which is slated to go on the floors by the end of this year. According to a source close to the actress, Padukone is not in a position to play Mastani because the dates which Bhansali were given to Johar, NDTV reported. Trade reports say that Kareena Kapoor is now keen to take on the role of Mastani. However, Bhansali's office maintains that no actress as been finalised as yet. When Bhansali first announced the film in 2002, he planned to cast Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan and Rani Mukherji in lead roles. But the film never really took off. "Now there is buzz that Ajay Devgn may play Bajirao in the film and Kareena has apparently expressed her desire to play Mastani. Priyanka Chopra will play Bajirao's wife, Kashibai," said the source. — SG
