Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has reacted after his recent comments about Deepika Padukone’s casting in the 2012 film “Cocktail” triggered debate online. The director issued a clarification on Tuesday, saying his remarks were made jokingly and should not be taken in the wrong way.
The controversy started during promotions for his upcoming movie “Main Vaapas Aaunga”, where Imtiaz Ali spoke about “Cocktail”, a film he had written. During the interaction, he revealed that Deepika Padukone was initially offered the role of Meera but he encouraged her to play Veronika instead. According to Imtiaz Ali, he believed Deepika had the personality traits needed for the free-spirited London-based character, despite her public image as a “good girl”.
His comments quickly went viral on social media, with many users criticising the statement and calling it unnecessary. Following the backlash, Imtiaz Ali shared a message on Instagram to clarify his intention and avoid any misunderstanding with Deepika, with whom he shares a long professional relationship.
He wrote, “My dearest and loveliest @deepikapadukone, you are my pal, my buddy, my safe option for humour. I think you will never misunderstand my wannabe fun remarks because you, more than anyone else, know how much I love you, admire you, understand you, and appreciate you.”
“But I have been told you might misunderstand and be hurt, so I am telling you plz don’t. To be mean to you ‘is janam mein to possible nahin hai’ (not possible in this lifetime). I never thought I would write such a disclaimer to you, but it’s been a while, and I didn’t want to take a chance. Wish you the best and love always”.
Cocktail, released in 2012, was directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Dinesh Vijan. The film featured a love triangle involving Deepika’s Veronika, Saif Ali Khan’s Gautam Kapoor and Diana Penty’s Meera Sahni. Deepika received widespread praise for her performance in the movie.
Imtiaz Ali has also directed Deepika Padukone in “Love Aaj Kal” and “Tamasha” and fans must be hoping to see them working together again.
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