Will Priyanka Chopra steal the show from Deepika Padukone in 'Bajirao Mastani'?

Is it just a mere coincidence that days ahead of the release of  Bajirao Mastani, where the clash between warrior-lovers Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone is destined to happen, a new song ‘Albela sajan aayo re’ from the film shows Priyanka Chopra dazzling us with her vivacious dancing? [caption id=“attachment_2547730” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Screengrab of Priyanka Chopra from the song of ‘Albela Sajan’ of Bajirao Mastani. YouTube[/caption] The song is filmed in sublimely saturated colours of joy and ecstasy, and is a celebration of home-coming. The wife breaks into a dance of rejoicing as her warrior-husband returns. The song is in the tradition of Lata Mangeshkar’s ‘Ghar aaya mera pardesi’ from Aawara or Kavita Krishnamoorthy’s ‘Mera piya ghar aaya’ from Yaaraana. Priyanka’s expressions of ebullience are incredibly infectious. So far we’ve seen very little of her in the film, but could that be changing? In the first song ‘Deewani mastani’ Deepika Padukone took center stage as the woman, who seduces the warrior-ruler with her dancing. Priyanka had just one shot to herself where she looks down at the scene below of her husband’s keen interest in another woman. In that one shot, Priyanka’s expression of tragic grace was exceptional. Then came the controversial ‘Pinga’ song wherein Priyanka completely outdanced Deepika. And now in the ‘Albela sajan aayo re’ song and dance, she is a portrait of feminine finesse and spousal pride. So the question to ask is, will Priyanka Chopra prove to be the scene-stealer in Bajirao Mastani, even though she doesn’t have an author-backed title role? It has happened in the past that an actress has stolen up on her prominent co-stars and walked away with the praise. In Yash Chopra’s Daag the entire focus of interest was on the tried-and-tested Rajesh Khanna-Sharmila Tagore pair. But it was Raakhee who got all the acclaim and the awards. Is Priyanka all set to do a Raakhee Gulzar on Deepika? We shall have the answer in just a few days.