Anushka Sharma to be Salman Khan's leading lady in 'Sultan'

Putting to rest all speculation over who will star opposite Salman Khan in Yash Raj Films' upcoming project 'Sultan', it has been revealed that the prestigious role has been bagged by Anushka Sharma.

Produced by Aditya Chopra and written-directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, 'Sultan' will release on Eid 2016.

Anushka, who made her debut in Hindi cinema in 2008 took to Twitter, to share a photograph of herself hugging the "Dabangg" star.

The "NH10" actress captioned the image saying: "Sultan".

Actress Parineeti Chopra had earlier denied reports that she will star alongside Salman. The actress had taken to Twitter to clarify that she was not doing the much anticipated film. "Guys, I am not doing 'Sultan', please put all rumours and speculations to rest and let me announce my next film when the time is right," Parineeti had tweeted in December.

Later there was also speculation that there would be two heroines starring opposite Salman in the film. The buzz had earlier been that both the girls would be newcomers.

Actress Kriti Sanon too had been linked to the film. A media report had suggested that Kriti was wary of signing 'Sultan' as then she would have to sign up as a Yash Raj Films talent. However, Kriti had cleared the air on the news, via Twitter. "I'd like to clarify again that I have not been offered 'Sultan'. So the question of YRF putting any conditions doesn't arise," Kriti tweeted.

'Sultan', which has been shot in Karjat, is reportedly based on the life of a wrestler, essayed by the 'Dabangg' actor.

One of the fittest stars of Bollywood, Salman has gone through intensive training for wrestling and mixed martial arts for Zafar's directorial with international action director Larnell Stovall.