SRK’s girl says no to Salman

Model-turned-actress Deepika Padukone, has politely declined playing Salman Khan's love interest in Boney Kapoor's next film (a remake of the Telegu hit Pokhiri).

She presently plays the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, Apparently Deepika backed out at the eleventh hour in a very unprofessional manner.

Sources report Boney kept waiting for her at a suburban preview theatre for the screening of the original film, so that she could get a feel of her role. But then, her business manager called him 15 minutes before the show and said she was not interested in doing the film.

"A screening was supposed to happen but it didn't, as Deepika informed me in advance that she couldn't do it. I wanted this film to be her next after Om Shanti Om and I had categorically told her that. But she told me it won't be possible as she was committed to other projects," says Boney.

Boney continues, "I have shortlisted two new faces and I will soon announce the name of the girl who will play the lead opposite Salman. Shooting starts in June."

Deepika had a different story to tell though, "I only met Mr Kapoor once, and all I was told is that the film is a remake of a South film, Salman will be the hero and that he would produce it. Beyond that, no details were discussed. I was told that they would get back to me about the screening."

Deepika avers that she has been a model for quite some time and is known to be extremely professional.

"The screening was supposed to happen provided both parties agreed on a time and date. Later, they themselves told me that there was no point in arranging a screening if I wasn't doing the film. Mr Kapoor's secretary Shyam coordinated the entire thing. If there was a miscommunication from his end, I don't know."

http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=14264