Overview

• Deccan Chronicle, cited by Hindustan Times and News18, reports Kapoor has been finalised for the role, with filming expected to begin next year.
• Coverage in News18 and Mid-day frames the move as a birthday ‘gift’ to Kapoor and claims Bhansali’s team has begun pre-production.
• Earlier trade reports had positioned Ranveer Singh as the intended lead, with chatter that he had started prep before Bhansali shifted focus to other projects.
• News18 quotes an independent industry source saying nothing is confirmed, and SpotBoyE reports Kapoor was never formally offered the role.
• Neither Bhansali nor his banner has announced a cast, and the long-gestating film is described as a musical reimagining of the 1950s classic about a singer who challenges Tansen.