Vishal says Deepika is one of the finest actors in the country

Actor Deepika Padukone (left) will share screen space with Irrfan Khan once again after Piku (2015), for Vishal Bhardwaj’s (right) untitled production. The filmmaker is full of praise for Deepika.

“I think she is one of the finest actors that we have in the country. She is a combination of a superstar and good actor. It’s a rare combination, that a performer is a superstar and at the same time has great acting abilities. Deepika is one of them,” said Bhardwaj, whose last film was Rangoon, this year.

The film will be helmed by casting and assistant director, Honey Trehan, who is known for his work in Omkara (2005) Udta Punjab (2016) and Kaminey (2009).

“I am more excited for my friend, Honey, who has been with me for the last 20 years. He is very lucky that in his first film itself, he has got such fabulous cast. I am so happy and excited to produce this film. The film will go on floors in January,” Bhardwaj added.

The film is based on one of the chapters from S. Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Deepika will essay the role of feared mafia don Rahima Khan, popularly known as Sapna Didi, while Irrfan will play a local gangster. This is the first time that Deepika is working with Bhardwaj. She will start shooting, after completing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film.

She is the rare combination of a superstar and good actor VISHAL BHARDWAJ, FILMMAKER

PHOTO: PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP