Disha Patani, the Bollywood actress who rose to fame with MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, is all set to make her debut in the South Indian film industry. According to the latest reports, Disha has been roped in to perform a special song in Pushpa 2, the sequel to the blockbuster action drama Pushpa, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna. Disha, who has impressed the audience with her dance moves in films like Baaghi 2 and Bharat, will reportedly share the screen with Allu Arjun in the song, which is expected to be a chartbuster.

Pushpa 2, which is also known as Pushpa: The Rule, is directed by Sukumar, who also helmed the first part. The film will feature Allu Arjun reprising his role as Pushpa Raj, a red sanders smuggler, who faces a new enemy in the form of Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, played by Fahadh Faasil. The film will also have Rashmika Mandanna returning as Pushpa’s love interest, Sivalli. The film is slated to release on August 15, 2023, on the occasion of Independence Day.

The replacement of Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Disha Patani’s entry in Pushpa 2 comes as a surprise, as the first part had featured another popular actress, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, in a special song. Samantha had danced with Allu Arjun in the song ‘Oo Antava’, which became a viral sensation on social media. The song, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, had showcased Samantha’s stunning dance skills and Allu Arjun’s charisma. The song had also sparked a controversy, as some netizens had accused Samantha of cultural appropriation for wearing a tribal outfit.

However, it seems that Samantha will not be a part of Pushpa 2, and Disha Patani will take her place as the item girl. According to a rumor published on Koimoi.com, Samantha will be replaced by Bollywood actress Disha Patani in the second installment. Disha, who reportedly refused to do the item song for Pushpa, will apparently shake a leg in the second movie of the franchise. It is being said that it’s director Sukumar’s decision to bring this change in Pushpa 2.

The other projects of Disha Patani

Apart from Pushpa 2, Disha Patani has several other projects lined up in Bollywood and South. She will be seen opposite Prabhas in the sci-fi thriller Kalki 2989 AD, which is directed by Nag Ashwin. The film, which also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Disha will also star in the action movie Kangwa, opposite Singham Suriya. The film, which is directed by Hari, is expected to release soon.

Disha Patani is also busy with her Bollywood films, such as Ek Villain Returns, co-starring John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor and Tara Sutaria, and KTina, produced by Ekta Kapoor. Disha will also be seen in a cameo role in Salman Khan’s Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, which is scheduled to release on Eid this year.