Bharat: Salman Khan introduces lead heroine calling her "sunder-susheel ladki"!

After Peecee quit 'Bharat' due to her engagement that was termed 'unprofessional' by the producer, the search for the lead female star opposite Salman Khan in the film, was on. Finally it was revealed today with director Ali Abbas Zafar confirming it that it indeed is Katrina Kaif who's now stepping into Priyanka's shoes. Now the lead hero Salman himself has taken upon himself to introduce Katrina as his lead female co-star in his own style. Salman took to his social media platforms Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and posted a stunning picture of Katrina clad in an off-shoulder black dress with her hair left open, and he wrote in caption - "Ek sundar aur shusheel ladki jiska Naam hai @katrinakaif .... swagat hai aapka #Bharat ki zindagi mein ...."

Ek sundar aur shusheel ladki jiska Naam hai @katrinakaif .... swagat hai aapka #Bharat ki zindagi mein ....

A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) on Jul 30, 2018 at 7:34am PDT

The film, to be released Eid next year, reunites Salman Khan and Katrina after 2017 blockbuster "Tiger Zinda Hai", which was also directed by Ali. The director is excited to reteam with the actor duo and said in his statement earlier today,  "I am extremely excited to work with Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan once again for Bharat. We have had exciting collaborations in the past and it is very interesting to work with the duo once again. Katrina got on board in the Nick of time for the project and it is very delightful to work with the immensely talented actress yet again".  Katrina will be joining the shoot in the upcoming schedules beginning in September. The announcement comes after the director took to Twitter to reveal that Priyanka had left "Bharat" due to a "very special" reason. Is Salman Khan UPSET with Priyanka for walking out of Bharat? Father Salim ANSWERS Ali did not elaborate much on the "reason" but his tweet alluded the actor's exit to her rumoured romance with American singer, Nick Jonas. The film recently went on floors with Salman and actor Disha Patani. Ali had shared recently a sneak peek from the film that showed Salman entering a "ring of fire" on a bike in a circus.

Ring of fire @beingsalmankhan @bharat_thefilm # EiD 2019

A post shared by ali (@aliabbaszafar) on Jul 24, 2018 at 11:37pm PDT

"Bharat" which will be shot in Abu Dhabi, Spain and India, will feature the superstar sporting five different looks spanning 60 years, wherein a crucial part will showcase the actor in his late 20s, looking leaner and younger. Produced by Atul Agnihotri, the film is an adaptation of 2014 South Korean movie "Ode To My Father". (with inputs from PTI)