Vaani Kapoor opposite Sushant Singh Rajput in YRF

The newcomer has been signed by YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra opposite Sushant Singh Rajput

Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 18, 2012)

Try as they might to keep it under wraps, Yash Raj Films' big secret is out. Having launched talents like Anushka Sharma and Parineeti Chopra in the last five years, the banner's next untitled film being directed by Maneesh Sharma will serve as launch-pad for a fresh new face: model Vaani Kapoor. Vaani, who has done campaigns for both national and international brands, will star opposite Sushant Singh Rajput in the film produced by Aditya Chopra.

Just how Vaani landed such a plum project is a story in itself. Apparently, she walked into Aditya's office with her portfolio, asking for a film. Taken in with her 'direct' approach, Adi, who was on the lookout for a new girl to be cast opposite Sushant, offered her the role, subject to Maneesh's approval.

When Maneesh screen-tested Vaani with Sushant, "He saw the same chemistry between them that he had seen between Anushka and Ranveer Singh in Band Baaja Baraat. Although Vaani and Sushant had never met," a source close to the project revealed.

YRF has signed Vaani for a three-film deal and placed her under a no-media, no-public appearance contract. In a bid to keep her identity and look a secret, she was furtively flown into Jaipur for the first schedule of Maneesh's film. What's more, she was introduced to the unit not by her real name but by her reel name.

What about the film's other leading lady Parineeti Chopra, who, we hear, will share quite a bit of screen space with the debutante? "Parineeti and Vaani have equally important roles. They both have a romantic track in the plot with Sushant, though separately. In fact, they don't meet at all in the film. They are linked only by their love for Sushant's character," said the source