Did Deepika Padukone choose Vin Diesel over Salman Khan & Sultan?

Deepika Padukone was apparently all set to star opposite superstar Salman Khan in Sultan. The actress had never confirmed the news but neither did she deny reports of being approached for playing the female lead in Sultan. In an interview, when she was asked if she was ever approached for the role, Deepika said that it would not be proper on her part to talk about any project until it is signed and confirmed.

Now speculations were rife that Salman had finally given his nod to Deepika after making her wait for a long time. The duo even tested their chemistry meter on Bigg Boss where Deepika appeared sans ex boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. YRF too never made any attempts to lay to rest speculations regarding Deepika being the leading lady in Sultan.

Sources exclusively told Bollywoodwallah that Deepika was indeed confirmed as the leading lady. What went wrong then?

Says a source, ” The makers were keen on Deepika but she had Vin Deisel’s project in hand along with Sultan. She wanted to do both films but unfortunately she couldn’t accommodate both in her schedule as the shooting dates clash for both films. Sultan’s next schedule begins with the introduction of the heroine and Vin Diesel’s film too starts shoot in February when Deepika will be joining the crew. She had already given her dates for the Hollywood film and couldn’t release it for Sultan.”

How did Anushka come in the picture?

Explains our source, “Anushka was never in the picture. Earlier in the month of September last year, she had taken to Twitter to clarify that she was not a part of Sultan as speculations were rife then. However, with Deepika out, the makers wanted Salman to pair up with a known A-list actress who he had never worked  before with. Anushka was the only name that they could think about. And the talented actress too was excited to work with Salman and immediately said yes when approached.”