While the entire focus is on Ranbir Kapoor as far as 'Barfi!' is concerned, as per insiders even Priyanka Chopra has a very strong part to play in the film.

However not many are aware that she had almost lost out on the film since director Anurag Basu was not convinced if she was the right fit for the role of an autistic.

"Anurag was sure about two things. First and foremost he wanted Ranbir to play the title role of 'Barfi' (that's his name in the film).

Secondly he wanted a newcomer to play the part since he didn't want any star baggage to take over the female character.

Though Priyanka felt that she could play the part, more so since she had played complex characters in films like 'What's Your Raashee?' and '7 Khoon Maaf', Anurag was busy hunting for a newer face."

However on much insistence, Basu decided to try her out for the part though he wanted to formalise the association only after he was truly convinced.

"Let's be fair; at her end even Priyanka was a little scared. She wanted to do the film but then also knew that everyone would look at her performance with a hawk eye.

It was mutually agreed that a workshop would be held first and only if the results were really favourable would the director-actress go to the next level.

They had to convince each other that Priyanka could be totally unlike her real self in the film", the source adds.

Resultantly a three day workshop was held about which no one else knew other than the duo.

"Well, all I can say is that hum dono ka iss workshop ke baad darr nikal gaya tha", smiles Basu, "Honestly both of us were apprehensive and credit goes to Priyanka that she participated in the workshop as if she was preparing for her first film. Trust me; she is going to surprise everyone.

I am sure even she herself will be surprised since she doesn't know what she has given to the film."

Hopefully for audience it would be a pleasant surprise.

Watch Trailer:Barfii