Sudhir Mishra's magnum opus that's been without a lead actress for 15 years has finally found one

While Sudhir Mishra has been mum about the actress who will play the lead in his epic love story, Mehrunissa, sources say the director, who has kept this project in the backburner for 15 years, has zeroed in on Deepika Padukone.

According to estimates, the budget for this musical that spans 45 years from Partition to contemporary times, can go up to Rs 100 crore, and will also be shot in Pakistan.

Mishra has partnered with protege Nikhil Advani to not only co-script the film, but also produce it. When asked to confirm the news, Mishra kept his cards close to his chest.

"That's a tough one. This is why I've kept this project on hold for so long. I need an actress who can age 45 years in front of the camera, who has a sense of history and can portray various shades of love convincingly. And, she has to be extraordinarily beautiful in a classic way."