Sonali Bendre will feature in Ekta Kapoor's upcoming soap and she won't be playing the quintessential bahu

Last year, Ekta Kapoor got Sonali Bendre to make a comeback in Bollywood with her film, Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara. Now the producer has convinced the actress to feature in one of her upcoming soaps as well.

The buzz is that Sonali will be seen in a stellar role in the show that is slated to air on a general entertainment channel. Ekta has been in talks with this channel for the last few months, and it seems that she has managed to convince Sonali to feature in her show.

Says a source, `A lot of discussions were on with the channel and the production house over the show's subject. Now that the concept and the storyboard have been finalised, casting is on for the show. The production house is conducting auditions for various roles in the drama.`

Adds the source, `Ekta may be known for her saas-bahu soaps, but this time she is charting new territory with politics as the backdrop. The channel, known for its mythological shows like Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev, also wants to make a mark in the general entertainment category.`


Incidentally, though Sonali was one of the first actresses to appear on television reality shows - remember Kya Masti Kya Dhoom almost 13 years ago - she stayed away from acting on the tube. Over the years, her TV outings have seen her play judge in shows like Indian Idol, India's Got Talent, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz and India's Best Dramebaaz. She recently featured as a narrator in Mission Sapne.

Ekta remained unavailable for comment.