Ranbir's dad proposes; Deepika disposes

The actor, whose name was recommended to Subhash Ghai by Rishi Kapoor, declines the offer to make a special appearance

From page B Looks like Deepika Padukone is in no mood to dance. We've got to know that the actor was approached for an item number in film-maker Subhash Ghai's next directorial venture, Kaanchi. Interestingly, her name was suggested to Ghai by her ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor's father, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor. However, Deepika politely declined the offer.

Ask Ghai about this and he says, "After hearing the song, my actor friend (Rishi Kapoor) sent a message to Deepika to do my item number as he felt it was an amazing song to dance to, and that Deepika would be apt to do this special appearance. But she declined gently as she is not inclined to doing special appearances. She'd rather play the main lead."

The film-maker adds that her refusal did not offend him. "I was relieved because I was in two minds, as I kept thinking that a big star's special appearance can be harmful for the new cast of the film. I am the least in favour of such appearances because they show the lack of confidence or greed for money or marketing gimmicks. I want to make Kaanchi with utmost sincerity and that will pay for sure," says Ghai.

Ask him who he plans to rope in for the song and he says, "We're trying to cast a new face to match the screenplay and the nature of this folk song."

Kaanchi will feature debutante Misthi in the lead role. Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty will be seen in a negative role in the film that is slated to release next year.