The second week of August was a bit of a shocker, courtesy Karan Johar's announcement. While he has been announcing quite a few projects that are being undertaken by Dharma Productions, the latest one which will put him back in the director's seat shocked us to our very core. In an upcoming period drama going by the name Takht, KJo roped in some of the best actors in the industry. The vivacious star cast includes Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Anil Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor. Well, with an ensemble cast so huge and full of accomplished actors, the magnum opus is definitely going to be a 2020 hit!

Of course, with a star cast so quintessential, you'd be wondering who will be paired with whom and what role would they entail. Fret not for the details of their characters are out! Set to rule the Mughal dynasty (not just with their acting prowess), the actors will be essaying a piece of history from the Mughal era. As per a report from Bollywoodhungama.com, Kareena Kapoor Khan will portray the role of Jahanara Begum Sahib, Emperor Shah Jahan's eldest daughter. Touted to be one of the most powerful, wealthy and extremely shrewd.

On the same, a trade expert told the website, "Apart from her equation with Karan, who is directing the film, Kareena has agreed to be part of such a strong cast also because of the fabulous role she plays. In fact, her role is equal to Ranveer and Vicky’s in Takht. She plays Ranveer and Vicky’s sister. Jahanara was a highly influential lady at the Mughal court during her father and Aurangzeb’s minds who was allowed to speak her mind and give advice.

Anil plays their father Shah Jahan, considered to be the most competent of the Mughal Emperors (and had built the Taj Mahal in Agra) but who was imprisoned by Aurangzeb during the war of succession. It’s a powerful role too. In a film with a star cast and talent like this, one has to make sure that all the stars get their due.”

Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal will be essaying the roles of Dara Shikoh (Crown Prince) and Emperor Aurangzeb respectively. Anil Kapoor will play the famous fifth Emperor of the Mughal dynasty, Shah Jahan. Alia Bhatt will be paired opposite Ranveer Singh as Dara Shikoh's first love and wife, Begum Nadira Banu while Bhumi Pednekar plays Aurangzeb's fiesty wife and consort Dilras Banu Begum. Dilras Begum, however, died a year before Aurangzeb ascended the throne.

Janhvi Kapoor also plays a pivotal character of a young slave girl called Hira Bai, who is known to be Aurangzeb's love interest. Hira Bai also died young and her death had an impact on Aurangzeb. An ensemble cast with such an intriguing story is sure to be a hit beyond boundaries! Let's hope Karan gives us a grand film.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2018 10:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).