Speculations regarding Rajnikanth's lading lady in his new film Kochadaiyaan have finaly been put to rest. It is not Katrina Kaif but Deepika Padukone who will act opposite the superstar in the film.

Early reports stated that Katrina Kaif had been signed which were later denied by the PRO of the production house. They have officially confirmed that Deepika has been roped in to play the female lead in Kochadaiyaan.

The 3D Tamil film will be directed by the mega star's younger daughter Soundarya R. Ashwin and written by K.S. Ravikumar. Deepika was Rajni's heroine in Rana. The film went on the floor last year and the actor had shot a few scenes when he fell ill and had to take a break to recuperate. The film has been shelved for the time being and Rajni has taken up Kochadaiyaan.