Deepika bags 'Happy New Year' opposite Shah Rukh Khan

Mumbai, Jul 30: After endless speculation as to who will be the leading lady in Shah Rukh Khan's home production, 'Happy New Year', we hear his 'Chennai Express' heroine Deepika Padukone is the final choice. The film, directed by Farah Khan, is slated to go on floors in September 2014.

A lot of speculation happened because several contestants who were vying for the role, kept giving out unofficial, 'I'm the chosen one' stories at regular intervals. Though Deepika was always the front-runner, she remained silent because her dates were being worked out. Even now, she has refrained from commenting.

Deepika shares a special relationship with Farah and SRK. They are the ones who were instrumental in giving Deeps her big break with Om Shanti Om (2007), a film that holds the record of being one of the highest grossers overseas.

Deepika is also likely to start shooting for Imtiaz Ali's film with Ranbir Kapoor in January 2014.