Alia Bhatt is officially set to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film is based on the life of female gangster Gangubai, also known as the Madam of Kamathipura. Gangubai, who was forced into prostitution at a young age, rose to control the brothels of Kamathipura, Mumbai’s red light district. Her life story is featured in crime writer Hussain Zaidi’s book, Mafia Queens Of Mumbai. 

Sanjay and Alia were earlier set to collaborate on Inshallah. The project was shelved following creative differences between Sanjay and lead actor Salman Khan. 

Gangubai Kathiawadi will be co-produced by Bhansali Productions and Pen India Ltd. The film is scheduled for release on September 11, 2020.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s last directorial venture was Padmaavat. He also produced Mangesh Hadawale’s romantic drama Malaal. Alia Bhatt, on the other hand, was last seen in Kalank. Her upcoming films are Brahmastra and Sadak 2. She is also a part of SA Rajamouli’s period actioner RRR, co-starring Jr NTR, Ram Charan, and Ajay Devgn.