Deepika Padukone before anyone else for Sanjay Leela Bhansali

In mid-October, the actor shot for over two hours at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios for the film since the film-maker considers her his “lucky charm.”

On November 1, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next film, Padmavati, officially began its shoot with Ranveer Singh at Filmcity, Goregaon (E). But now, HT Café has learnt that Deepika Padukone, who also stars in the film alongside Ranveer and Shahid Kapoor, shot for the film first around mid-October at Mehboob Studios, Bandra (W).

Deepika Padukone stars as Rani Padmavati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next, Padmavati. (HT Photo)

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“Yes, technically speaking, it was Deepika who faced the camera first for the film, since she is playing the title role. Sanjay sir also felt that she has been his lucky charm (before Padmavati, Deepika Padukone has starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani). So, she shot for over two hours on the lavish set created in Mehboob Studios,” says an insider.

Before Padmavati, Deepika Padukone has starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani. (HT Photo)

Deepika, who is currently in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to attend a music award ceremony, will join the film’s cast and crew later this month to start shooting for her portions. When contacted, Deepika confirmed the news, and added, “It is a special movie for all of us. We had barely finished Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Sanjay sir offered me the film. It is a tribute to one of the most courageous and beautiful women. Our journey has begun and the next few months are going to be intense but exciting.”