Mumbai: Actor Priyanka Chopra has exited director Ritesh Batra's upcoming period drama starring Saif Ali Khan, reportedly because of a scheduling conflict. Filming on the untitled project began in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Priyanka was expected to headline the film and was keen to work with both Saif and Batra, according to reports, but her existing commitments made it difficult to accommodate the shoot dates. The team explored working the dates around, but the plans did not come together.
The film went on the floors at a museum in Byculla in Mumbai. The makers are in talks with two actors to step into the female lead's role, while Saif is filming his portions. The project is expected to be shot on a start-to-finish schedule across parts of South Mumbai.
Priyanka and Saif have never shared screen space, and the period drama would have marked their first collaboration. Batra is known for films including The Lunchbox, The Sense of an Ending and Photograph.
Priyanka will next be seen in SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, scheduled for release on April 7, 2027. The makers have not commented on the casting change.
Batra's film will be shot in historic buildings across South Mumbai. Priyanka has of late focused more on Hollywood and south Indian projects. The choice of the new female lead is expected to be announced soon. Priyanka and Saif will not appear together on screen, but filming will continue as planned, the reports said.
Priyanka's upcoming projects also include Hollywood films. Saif recently made his social media debut and has several films lined up. The industry expects the makers to announce the new female lead soon.