Shah Rukh Khan cast in Bhansali project?

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has reportedly cast Shah Rukh Khan as Bajiaro in his ambitious project Bajirao Mastani.

The director had originally wanted Salman Khan for the role when the film was first announced in 2003, with Aishwarya Rai to play the lead female character. However, the film hit a roadblock when the couple split.

Bhansali then tried reviving the film in 2005 with Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor but without any success.

An industry source told NDTV: "After things couldn't work out with Salman Khan, Sanjay was disheartened and didn't know who he should approach for the role. Since it's a big budget film, only a star can pull it off. A friend of Sanjay suggested he consider SRK.

"He was quite kicked with the idea and immediately called up King Khan and offered him the role. The actor who is aware of the film and liked the subject asked him to give him a proper narration."

Shah Rukh and Bhansali reportedly had a disagreement when Saawariya and Om Shanti Om released on the same day.

Bhansali's relationship with Salman Khan also soured following the Dabaang's stars criticism of Guzaarish.

The director said it is hard to sustain friendships in the Hindi film industry.