MUMBAI: Basking in the glory of recent hits like Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and Paan Singh Tomar, Tigmanshu Dhulia is making a film on Begum Samru.

Begum Samru was the head of a professionally-trained mercenary army consisting of Europeans and Indians, inherited from her European mercenary husband Walter Reinhardt Sombre.

The period film is based on the life of Samru, who started her career as a nautch girl in 18th Century India and eventually became the ruler of Sardhana, a principality near Meerut. Later on, she played a key role in the political power struggle in 18th and 19th century India.

It is said that since Kareena Kapoor had liked both the latest films of Dhulia and evinced interest to work with him, the director has approached the actress to play the lead.