Nitesh Tiwari’s three-part Mahabharata will star Deepika Padukone as Draupadi. The film will be produced by Madhu Mantena. According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, a source close to the project said, “Since producer Madhu Mantena is a very close friend of Hrithik Roshan, he is in talks with the star for the role. Playing Lord Krishna is a welcome challenge for any actor. The logistics are being worked out for Hrithik’s participation.”
Mahabharata will be Deepika’s third production venture after Chhapaak and '83. "I'm absolutely thrilled and honored to be essaying the role of Draupadi. I truly believe that it is the role of a lifetime. While the Mahabharat is popularly known for its mythological tales and cultural influence, many of life's lessons are also derived from the Mahabharat but most often from its men. Telling it with this fresh and new perspective will not only be interesting but also very significant," Deepika told IANS.
Talking about Deepika, Madhu Mantena said that the actress was the right choice for Draupadi. "While we have all consumed the 'Mahabharat' all our lives, the uniqueness of our film is seeing the same story from the point of view of Draupadi, who is one of the most significant heroines in our country's cultural history. And Deepika is not just the biggest Indian actress today, but someone who can take this narrative across borders. If it weren't with her, we would not be making this film on such an ambitious scale,” he concluded.
