Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, the mind behind Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and Bride & Prejudice (2004), has been signed on by Disney to helm an original musical feature inspired by a dynamic princess from Indian history. It’s not surprising that the film, which is being written by Chadha and screenwriter Paul Mayeda Berges, has quickly caught everyone’s attention. While there were murmurs about Alia Bhatt being a strong contender for the lead role, the rumours intensified further when Chadha attended the actor’s Hope Gala in London last month.   

Sources reveal that Chadha and Bhatt had met in January this year when the filmmaker flew down to attend Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira’s wedding. A source tells mid-day, “The two have been in talks for a while. The final casting will happen only after the script is developed, but Alia is among the top casting choices.”