Confirmed! Sonakshi, with another female lead in 'Dabangg 3'

New Delhi [India], Aug 28 (ANI): Ever since Arbaaz Khan had announced the third installment of the 'Dabangg' franchise, speculations are rife about the female lead in the film.

While Salman Khan will continue to play Chulbul Pandey, the makers remained mum over Sonakshi Sinha's role for quite some time.

Finally, in an exclusive conversation with ANI, the 'Dabangg' director confirmed Sonakshi in the movie, adding that there is a possibility of another leading face.

"Dabangg 3 is definitely a film we will be making. Hopefully, we will start its shoot somewhere around the end of next year. Hope for an Eid, 2018 release. There is a possibility that we might have someone else in the film, depending on the script, but how much a part will Sonakshi play that hasn't been decided as of yet. But there will surely be changes to the cast in the film," said the 49-year-old.

Earlier, rumours were also doing the rounds that Sonakshi might be replaced by Parineeti Chopra.

But the 'Akira' actress, in an interview with a leading daily recently said that no matter how small her role be in the film, the character of 'Rajjo' will be enacted by her and "no one else."

For the unversed, Salman and Sonakshi's equation went sour when the 'Tevar' actress turned down Arbaaz produced 'Dolly Ki Doli' which was initially offered to her.

Reportedly, the two also had a tiff in November 2014 at Arpita Khan's wedding where the fight ended with her breaking down.