Deepika Got My Role in Happy New Year, Says Ankita Lokhande

Sushant Singh Rajput's girlfriend and television actor Ankita Lokhande claims she was supposed to play the leading lady in Farah Khan's "Happy New Year", with the role eventually going to Deepika Padukone.

Apparently, Shah Rukh Khan suggested Ankita's name to Farah for the female lead for their upcoming film. And Ankita, who is known for her character Archana in TV serial Pavitra Rista, was supposed to sign the deal but things did not work out in her favour.

And "Chennai Express" actress Deepika bagged the role, opposite Shah Rukh.

"I was considered for this role, so it is a good thing. It is unfortunate it couldn't happen. I don't know why things did not work out. I think there is a prejudice against TV actors. I was working on TV, and if I was considered for it is a big thing," Ankita told Press Trust of India.

Apart from Ankita, other television actresses including Jennifer Winget and Simran Kaur Mundi were reportedly considered for the role.

Even Katrina Kaif was considered, but finally it was Deepika who bagged it.

Directed by choreographer-turned-director Farah, the film also features Boman Irani, Sonu Sood and Jackie Shroff in pivotal roles.

The first scheduled shoot of the film has been completed. The three-week long shoot has fetched $5 million revenue to the UAE.

The film is still in production stage and is set to release worldwide next year.

https://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/520948/20131110/happy-new-year-deepika-padukone-role-ankita.htm