Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt goes on floors

Sanjay Leela Bhansali commences shooting of his next Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film headlined by Alia Bhatt will hit the big screens on September 11, 2020.

Mumbai: Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has roped in Alia Bhatt for his upcoming project Gangubai Kathiawadi, commenced the film's shooting on Friday.

Bhansali Productions' announced beginning of the film via social media. "Good things are on its way and you'll see in the new year✨ #GangubaiKathiawadi In Cinemas 11th Sept 2020! @aliaabhatt #SanjayLeelaBhansali @prerna_singh6 @jayantilalgadaofficial @penmovies," reads the caption alongside the image.

This project will see Bhansali Productions collaborating with Jayantilal Gada's Pen India Ltd for this film. The film is based on Hussain Zaidi's book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The story of the movie revolves around Gangubai Kothewali, a brothel owner and matriarch.

Alia too expressed her excitement over beginning the new journey with ace filmmaker. "Look what Santa gave me this year 📽❤️," wrote the actor sharing the image on her Instagram page.

READ | Alia joins Ranbir for Kapoor family's annual Christmas brunch

Earlier, Alia shared the news of getting the lead role in the film on her Twitter handle and wrote, "A name you've heard a story you haven't. #GangubaiKathiawadi This one's going to be special!! Directed by #SanjayLeelaBhansali, releasing 11 September 2020."

Alia was supposed to work with Bhansali in Inshallah, starring Salman Khan, and the film was meant to be an Eid 2020 release.

However, the film got shelved but not the chance for Alia to unite with Bhansali. The master storyteller and the powerhouse actor will finally set the screen on fire with Gangubai Kathiawadi.

In the other news, Bhansali has also announced yet another directorial venture, Baiju Bawra, a musical saga, which is slated to hit the theatre on Diwali 2021.