Deepika Un'Saif' choice

Imtiaz Ali picks Padukone, angers Saif, Kareena

Saif Ali Khan's first production to be directed by Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali is expected to begin shooting in May 2008.

The film won't star Saif's ladylove Kareena Kapoor, but Deepika Padukone instead. This became a big bone of contention between producer Saif and director Imtiaz.

Other plans

Says a source very close to Saif, "If Saif had his way, he'd want Kareena in every production even his first. In fact, he was quite sure that his production house would take off with a film starring Kareena along with him.

And since Imtiaz had just delivered a big hit with Kareena, Saif saw no problems on that front."

"Little did he know Imtiaz had other plans. The director was sure Kareena wouldn't suit the female lead this time. He insisted on Deepika Padukone." says the source. Saif and Imtiaz had several heated and prolonged arguments over the matter. But Imtiaz was adamant.

"Saif had no choice but to give in, although Kareena, who thought she was a natural choice for Imtiaz after Jab We Met, was very hurt about being kept out of a project that's rightfully hers."

Simply put

When contacted Imtiaz Ali is forthright, "It's very simple. Deepika suits the role. Kareena who is my absolute favourite, does not. Fortunately or unfortunately, my fondness for an actor is not the criteria for casting. I cannot cast Kareena wrongly, not after casting her so perfectly as Geet in Jab We Met."

The director adds, "I'm sure I'll write a role for her in my next film and happily queue up outside her door for her dates." Kareena who's known to fight fiercely for her rights was obviously upset about the exclusion from her boyfriend's first production.

mid-day.com