| Deepshikha has often been called the late Parveen Babi's look-alike. The actress seems to have taken her resemblance to Babi quite seriously - when she learnt that Vishesh Films was making Awarapan, based on Parveen Babi's life, she decided to ask Mahesh Bhatt for the role.
When contacted, Deepshikha admitted, " I did go to Vishesh Films' office in Juhu. The meeting was fixed by Ashok Pandit; I didn't have Bhatt saab's number and I told Pandit to help me out." Meeting Mahesh
When Deepshikha showed Bhatt her photographs, he told her, "Not necessary. I know now how you look."
The actress says she was nervous at the meeting. "I could hardly speak. I am a big fan of Bhatt saab's films. He makes such slick, beautifully edited films, and each one makes a statement. I even met Anurag Basu and Mohit Suri there. Anurag has been a friend for some time; Mohit said he knew me," she adds. Bipasha's ouster
Deepshikha learnt about Bhatt's plans of making Awarapan nine months ago, when she was in talks with a south-side producer for a film. "Before I could make my move, I heard that Bipasha Basu was doing the film. Later, when I read that Bipasha had opted out, I decided to take a shot at the role."
When Bhatt did not revert to her, Deepshikha mustered the courage to call him. "He said they would get back to me. That day was his birthday, and I felt so nice to wish someone who I am in awe of." Losing out to Kangna
However, Deepshikha says she did not feel disappointed when she read that the role had gone to Kangna Ranaut (who is also acting in Bhatt's Gangster, with Emraan Hashmi and Shiney Ahuja).
"It would have been great to play a role based on Parveen Babi's life, because many people tell me I look like her. But I am sure Bhatt saab made the right choice. He is a master who casts perfectly; that is the reason his films do so well…. I am dying to work with Mahesh Bhatt; I will call him again. There's always a next time."
Awarapan will be shot in Mumbai, Goa, London and Dubai, and shooting for the film will start from February 2006. |
| Bhatt says...
"Ashok Pandit strongly recommended Deepshikha to me," says Mahesh Bhatt. I met her and realised she has a striking resemblance to Parveen Babi, there are no two opinions about that. But I wanted someone younger. The fact that I didn't cast her has nothing to do with her acting potential." Mahesh kaun banega?
The Bhatts had almost finalised blue-eyed boy Emraan Hashmi for Mahesh Bhatt's role, but the good run Kalyug has had might tilt the scales in Kunal Khemu's favour.
"Emraan will be fine, but lately, he has signed quite a few movies. I want someone who will be coming on board without any baggage of dates. Khemu rocked in Kalyug, he has been appreciated by critics and masses, which is no mean achievement. If Emraan is not free, I may ask Khemu to do the job," says director Mohit Suri. "It's a key role," says Bhatt. Knowing Parveen
"I first met her (Parveen Babi) in 1991," says Deepshikha, "when she was doing a photo shoot with Jayesh Sheth. We had dinner together after that, and later met a couple of times. Towards her last days though, we lost touch." | |
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