Priyanka Chopra REPLACED Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in THIS Sanjay Leela Bhansali film; Now rumoured to return in 'Love and War'

Amidst mounting speculation over Priyanka Chopra allegedly joining the cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film 'Love and War', reports seem to indicate that the actress could just make her return in another hit dance sequence.

According to Bollywood Hungama, Priyanka's rumoured casting in Bhansali’s upcoming film comes over a decade after she took over centre stage for a song sequence in 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela' back in 2013. At the time, the actress stepped in for the dance number in the Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone starrer only after Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was originally set to perform in the song, exited at the last minute.

Buzz About Love and War

The song, “Ram Chahe Leela,” went on to become a chartbuster. Now, with Bhansali deep into pre-production for 'Love and War', featuring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, rumours have emerged that Chopra might return for a special number in the film. However, the new report appears to have dismissed those claims. “No, Priyanka is not doing anything in Love & War,” the source claimed.

How Priyanka Landed 'Ram Chahe Leela'

Interestingly, back in 2013, Priyanka's casting in the film generated a lot of buzz. At the time, Aishwarya had reportedly agreed to return to the screen after a two-year hiatus with the 'Ram Leela' dance number, marking what would have been her fourth collaboration with Bhansali. Reports from the Times of India at the time suggested the filmmaker was determined to cast Aishwarya, even as producers leaned toward Priyanka. In the end, Aishwarya backed out, opening the door for Priyanka’s now-iconic performance.

When Priyanka Denied Casting For Dance Number

At the time, Priyanka, speaking to PTI, denied doing any song for Bhansali. She rubbished the reports saying, "It is an upsetting thing. Media reports keep coming about some actor doing this film or being replaced kind of stories... It's wrong... when you don't have clarity, then do not write it... by doing all these kind of stories, you give publicity to someone not needed."

While her casting in the film still awaits confirmation, 'Love and War' has been generating a lot of buzz for another possible casting of Deepika Padukone in a prominent role.

'Love and War' is slated for a 2026 release.