Unlike reports, it isn't Katrina but Chopra who will star alongside Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor in Ali Abbas Zafar's Gunday.

Priyanka Chopra, after signing Apoorva Lakhia's remake of Zanjeer had been busy finishing her prior film commitments and her now popular debut music album. While other A-list actresses were busy vying for the big banner projects, Priyanka's absence from the rat race set tongues wagging. But the actress managed to shut them all up.

After the resounding success of Barfi! and her much appreciated performance in the film, she has now bagged a plum project. Priyanka has been signed on to play the female lead in Yash Raj Films' next Gunday alongside Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor.

Though when contacted, the actress' PR stated "its not true", the official spokesperson from the production house was more forthcoming and confirmed that Priyanka had indeed signed the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial film as the female lead.

Incidentally, Katrina Kaif had also been sounded off for the role. "The lead female role is rather challenging and performance based. And the makers thought that Priyanka would fit the bill better," a source told.

This will be Priyanka's second film with YRF after Pyaar Impossible in 2010. Also, this will be her first film with Ranveer and Arjun.

Apparently the film is set in one of the most turbulent periods in the history of Kolkata, from 1971 to the end of the decade. Ranveer and Arjun will be seen as powerful black marketing mafia. They play Bikram and Bala respectively. The film traces the journey of these two small time wagon breakers and coal thieves who become mafia leaders.

Interestingly, Ekta Kapoor's Milan Talkies that Priyanka was reportedly approached for starts rolling in February 2013. And now, Gunday too is scheduled to go on floor around the same time. Surely Priyanka has taken her pick.

TOI