The part in the 1930s set film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey had already been rejected by actresses Asin and Bipasha Basu, for not being glamorous enough.
Director Ashutosh Gowariker's project is an account of a 1930s uprising in Chittagong against the British.
On finally casting Padukone, the director told: "Hrithik Roshan was meant to do Swades [Gowariker's 2004 film]. Shah Rukh Khan did it and Swades is still one of the most-talked about films in SRK’s career.
"Abhishek [Bachchan] and Deepika are best suited for this project. What more could I ask for? Ultimately things work out for the best."
The actress is reportedly pleased to have been given the chance to work with the legendary Jodhaa Akbar director.
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