Deepika offered Dostana 2; Mani Ratnam's next?

Joginder Tuteja (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 17, 2013)

It seems everything is right on track for Rohit Shetty's ambitious project, Chennai Express. First, Jeetendra moved the release date of his Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobaara to avoid a clash with it. Now,Sanjay Leela Bhansali is willing to tweak the shooting schedule of Ram Leela to help Deepika promote Shetty's film.

"Bhansali is known to be quite particular about his shooting schedules, and rightly so as he works with a large crew and everyone's time comes with a premium. The schedule of the film has already been sporadically disturbed due to rains. However, he is flexible when it comes to freeing Deepika for the promotion of her next. Deepika was required to excuse herself for a media event for Chennai Express for two days in a row, he didn't complain," says a source.It has been quite a few years since Shah Rukh-Deepika starrer Om Shanti Om and Bhansali's Saawariya were pitched opposite each other and the SRK film had won at the box-office hands down.

"Times change and everyone moves on," the source adds, "There is no animosity whatsoever between Bhansali and Shah Rukh. They never had any deep rooted issues. Now, when his leading lady will be travelling across cities, and probably even countries, to promote the Rohit Shetty film, the date diary is being adjusted for all involved."

For Deepika, it is a much-need relief and the actress says: "Bhansali is a producer too and understands the importance of these publicity drives. We will be promoting Ram Leela too."

Meanwhile…SPOILT FOR CHOICE
Too many good things can spoil you silly and they can also put you in strange predicaments. Ask Deepika about it. By the looks of it, Dippy is all set to beat Katrina Kaif for a plum role—to play the female lead opposite Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in Dostana 2. A few days ago, Karan Johar and Tarun Mansukhani approached her for the role. The film is scheduled to go on floors in November this year.

However, this has landed Dippy in a quandary. Only last week, Mani Ratnam has asked her to play the female lead in his next and the shooting of the love story is also scheduled to begin in November.

A source close to the development told Mirror, "Now, Deepika has to choose between Karan Johar and Mani Ratnam. It is going to be a difficult decision. As it is, she has other assignments."

Time to take your pick Dippy

—Vickey Lalwani

http://fenilandbollywood.com/2013/06/17/bhansali-bending-his-ram-leela-schedule-to-let-deepika-promote-chennai-express/