Sanjay Leela Bhansali finally zeroed the lead heroin for ‘Bajirao-Mastani’, the romantic saga of the Peshwa king of Maharashtra and the beautiful courtesan.

Supermodel Shivani Kapoor, cousin of Kareena Kapoor, who is doing the prestigious Lakme ad campaign this year, has been chosen for the historic role of Mastani.

Aishwarya Rai was first choice for the role but she refused to work with Salman Khan who plays the Peshwa. Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor were also considered but turned down for various reasons. Now Shivani Kapoor will debut in Bollywood through this major film.

Shivani, who confirmed the news, has been busy with modeling assignments in London when she was approached for the role. She is now in India and in talks with Bhansali to finalise her role.

Others in the cast are Rani Mukherjee and the Rekha, who plays Mastani’s mother.

The film will reopen a colourful chapter of Maharashtra’s history, which has been hidden in the pages of research books until now.

The beautiful courtesan Mastani was a renowned beauty - the heartthrob of Bajirao Peshwa. She had such a fair and translucent skin, that when swallowed the juice of her paan beeda (betel leaf with nuts and spices), the red colour of the juice could be seen through the fair skin of her throat according to legend.

Many centuries have passed since the legend of Bajirao Mastani fascinated people; and now, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has taken on the task of resurrecting this historical romance for the silver screen.