New Delhi, Apr 17 (UNI) In a casting coup, Priyanka Chopra has been paired with Salman Khan for Ali Abbas Zafar’s next ‘Bharat’.

Salman Khan-starrer ‘Bharat’ is getting bigger and more anticipated with every new update.

While there has been already immense excitement revolving around the film, here comes the biggest news! In what can be called the biggest casting coup in years, the makers of ‘Bharat’ have signed Priyanka Chopra as the heroine of Salman.

On joining the 'Bharat' family, Priyanka shares, "Bharat it is! I’m looking forward to begin shooting this film and working with Salman and Ali again after a considerable time. I’ve learnt a lot from them in our previous collaborations and am excited to see what this one has to offer. I’m also looking forward to working with Alvira and Atul and the entire team of 'Bharat'. To all my well-wishers who’ve been so patient and supportive… thank you for your constant support and I’ll see you all at the movies!"

Director Ali Abbas Zafar says, 'Bharat is Priyanka’s homecoming to Bollywood after having proven her range as a performer in Hollywood films and a blockbuster global TV show. Bharat is rooted in India and its culture despite it spanning over 70 years and set across various countries of the world. Priyanka is the biggest Indian artist internationally and she is a perfect fit for the film. Priyanka brings in outstanding acting as well as incredible international appeal to make the scale of the film bigger and even more global.'

Ali Abbas Zafar and producer Atul Agnihotri travelled to New York to meet Priyanka and gave her the narration of the film.

Priyanka loved Ali’s script and she was convinced immediately to do the film. Salman and Priyanka will be teaming up after 10 years making the association all the more special.

Atul Agnihotri, who is collaborating with Priyanka for the first time, shares, 'We are all very happy to welcome Priyanka to the Bharat family. We couldn’t have asked for anyone better than her to play this role.'

Ali, who has directed Priyanka in 'Gunday', adds, 'We have found the soul of 'Bharat' in Priyanka Chopra. As the love story in Bharat is very mature and quite subtle, we needed an actor who could portray this in the best possible way. Her character is the soul of the film, and throughout, she stands shoulder to shoulder with Salman Khan in the journey. She is the catalyst at the film's most important turning point.'

Meanwhile, this is the third time that Salman and Ali have teamed up. The record-breaking superstar-director duo has earlier made the blockbusters 'Sultan' and 'Tiger Zinda Hai'.

T-Series' producer Bhushan Kumar shares, 'We are very happy that the best of talents are coming together for Bharat. It is a beautiful story and we are very excited to start the journey with the entire team.'

'Bharat' has started its prep in London, after which director Ali Abbas Zafar will move to Spain, Poland, Portugal, and Malta.

The film will feature Salman sporting five different looks spanning 60 years, wherein a crucial part will showcase the actor in his late 20s, looking much leaner and younger. Salman will be recreating his 'Karan Arjun' look which has created immense excitement amongst the audience.

Salman is known to treat his fans on festive seasons. While this year will witness Salman Khan's 'Race 3' hitting the screens, with 'Bharat' the actor has yet again booked the upcoming Eid for himself offering a festive bonanza to the audience.

Produced by Atul Agnihotri’s Reel Life Production Pvt. Ltd and Bhushan Kumar's T-Series, the movie is slated for release on Eid, 2019.

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