It\'s official! Deepika Padukone to play Draupadi in \'Mahabharat\'; read details

Mumbai: Bringing the epic saga to the screens, Deepika Padukone has teamed up with Madhu Mantena and is producing a film, the Mahabharat which will be bringing the age-old epic to the audience from the perspective of the female protagonist, Draupadi which Deepika will be essaying.

Embarking on a new journey, Deepika Padukone turned producer with Chhapaak being her first venture which is being directed by Meghna Gulzar and inspired by the life of acid attack survivor, Laxmi Agarwal. Her second production, Mahabharat, will be seen through the eyes of Draupadi which will give a fresh take to the story that the world is aware of.

The actress is collaborating with Madhu Mantena on this production of the epic which will not only be a grand treat to the world of cinema but will also be a unique project built on a large scale, keeping the glory that it holds in view. What’s interesting is that it will be made in a series of parts with the first one slated to release in Diwali 2021.

Deepika who has already distinguished herself as one of the most prominent actresses in Bollywood with iconic roles in movies is delighted to be taking on yet another challenging role. With defining roles in her previous projects Deepika will add to the list by bringing life to another pivotal character as Draupadi.

Sharing her excitement, Deepika says, "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."

Her joint producer, Madhu Mantena is equally delighted, even while he acknowledges that it is a huge responsibility to be re-telling this mythological tale on the big screen. He shares, “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”.

The duo is in advanced talks with the leading filmmakers to be a part of their ambitious project. Simultaneously, discussions are on with leading actors to join the franchise. With the announcement here, certainly this is a project that will redefine the core of Indian cinema, not just in terms of production values but also, as it would take the content-driven movies to the next level.

This surely is a time to behold as it is this time with a woman commanding the plot and leading the battle with her own, lesser-known narrative!