How Anushka Sharma beat Deepika Padukone   

Deepika Padukone has allegedly opted out of Salman Khan's Sultan, making it the fifth film she has declined opposite the star. 

Now, apparently, Anushka Sharma has stepped in. While Salman plays a wrestler in Ali Abbas Zafar's film, Sharma will reportedly also play a wrestler!

According to news sources, the delay in signing a leading lady happened as producer Aditya Chopra and Ali Abbas Zafar wanted to sign an A-list heroine with an athletic personality. Deepika was approached, but turned down the offer. Apparently, Parineeti Chopra and Kangna Ranaut were also considered. Eventually though, the deal with Anushka worked out. 

Sharma, who hasn't signed any new film after Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do and has only Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil on the floors, was happy to step in. Apparently, she loved the role and has never worked with Khan before.