Deepika Padukone is elated to play mafia queen in THIS Vishal Bhardwaj directorial

After a lot of fracas over the release of her much-awaited period drama Padmaavat, Deepika Padukone is in the news for all the right reasons.

While fans are still finding it hard to get over the visual treat in Padmaavat, the 'Happy New Year' actress is hitting headlines for her upcoming film Sapna Didi's story.

Deepika though, can’t stop gushing about the success of Padmaavat, she is all set to be featured as gangster Sapna Didi in the biopic. The 'incredible' story of the lady don encouraged her to take up the project.

Interestingly, such a strong character like mafia queen Sapna Didi will showcase Deepika's skill of versatility yet another time. From Rajput queen Padmavati to introvert medical student Naina Talwar, Deepika has managed to win hearts of millions every time she appeared on the screen.

"I guess I am drawn to strong characters. I am very excited to play this part. Like 'Padmaavat' was a 13th century old story that even after so many years the power of women is visible to all today. We are standing up for ourselves with dignity. I find her journey so relevant," PTI quoted Deepika Padukone.

"It is going to be similar with Vishal sir's film. It is based on Sapna Didi, I don't know what the title is at the moment. It is a true story. It is an incredible story, her transformation is amazing," the actress added.

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The movie is based on the life and times of Ashraf Khan, popularly known as Sapna Didi, who was a feared name in the underworld.

According to media reports, Khan was married to a man who worked under don Dawood Ibrahim. Apparently, after Dawood got her husband killed in a police encounter, she decided to avenge his death.

Khan joined hands with Hussaid Ustara, a man who hated Dawood, and also had a short stint as a police informer to bring him down.

She reportedly hatched a plan to kill Dawood at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, but it turned out that the notorious underworld don had ordered that she be murdered in the most brutal manner.

Produced by Prernaa Arora, the film is an adaptation of S Hussain Zaidi's book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai'.

Deepika said she is elated to start working on the film, which also features her 'Piku' co-star Irrfan Khan.

"I would soon start prep work on Vishal sir's film. Workshops are planned and physical prep work also needs to be done," she added.

Also Read: Anushka Sharma, Varun Dhawan attend workshop for upcoming film Sui Dhaaga - Made in India (see pics)

The shooting for the film is expected to start from next month in Nepal.

Helmed by Vishal Bhardwaj the biopic is expected to hit the theatres by year end.