Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is currently gearing up for the release of his film Main Vaapas Aunga. During the promotions of the film, the filmmaker spoke openly about casting Deepika Padukone as Veronica in Cocktail, for which he was one of the screenplay writers. During the interaction, he said that Deepika had a “good girl” image before the film and even referred to it as a “facade.” Now, the filmmaker has issued a clarification after the clip went viral online.
Imtiaz Ali issues clarification
Imtiaz took to his Instagram Stories and shared a clip in which he was seen explaining why he felt Deepika Padukone was perfect for the role of Veronica, despite initially offering her the role of Meera. In his clarification note, Ali said that being mean to Deepika would never be possible for him and that he deeply loves and admires her. He also admitted that he never imagined having to write such a disclaimer.
“My dearest and loveliest Deepika Padukone, you are my pal, my buddy, my safe option for humour. I think you will never misunderstand my wannabe fun remarks because, more than anyone else, you 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 saying please don’t. To be mean to you is janam mein to possible nahin hai. 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,” wrote the filmmaker.
What Imtiaz said about Deepika?
The controversy began when Ali opened up about Deepika’s casting as Veronica during an interview with News18 Showsha. He revealed that Deepika was initially offered the role of Meera because she had a public image of being a “good girl” at the time. However, his perception changed after seeing her more carefree and uninhibited side during parties.
“I had written the story called Cocktail, and they were trying to cast it. They gave Deepika the script for Meera’s part, the role that was eventually played by Diana Penty,” he said.
He further added, “Then she called me, and I asked her to read for Veronica. Veronica was so different from Deepika’s public image at that point in time. But since I had spent time with her and attended parties with her, I knew how crazy and wild she could be, even though she was otherwise projecting a very ‘good girl’ image at that time.”
“Now people have seen through the facade. So I thought it would be something very new for Deepika to do. I knew that emotional ground existed, so that was exciting,” he added.