Imtiaz pens note to Deepika

Filmmaker clarifies his statement on Deepika’s ‘good girl image’ while recalling Cocktail casting

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali recently faced criticism after revealing that Deepika Padukone was initially offered the role of Meera in Cocktail, which was eventually played by Diana Penty. Explaining why Deepika was offered Meera’s role, Imtiaz, who wrote the film, said she was projecting a “good girl” image at the time, which he believed was a facade. He added that he was aware of how “crazy and wild” she could be, having partied with her.

Following the backlash, the filmmaker penned a note to Deepika, clarifying his remark and saying he had been told she might misunderstand or feel hurt by it. Taking to his Instagram Story, Imtiaz wrote, “My dearest and loveliest Deepika Padukone, you are my pal, my buddy, my safe option for humour. I think you will never misunderstand my attempts at fun because, more than anyone else, you know how much I love you, admire you, understand you and appreciate you. But I have been told you might misunderstand and be hurt, so I am telling you, please don’t.” “To be mean to you is janam mein to possible nahin hai. I never thought I would write such a disclaimer to you, but it’s been a while and I didn’t want to take a chance. Wish you the best and love always.” 

What did Imtiaz Ali say?

Imtiaz said, “I had written the story called Cocktail, and they were trying to cast it. They gave Deepika the script for Meera’s part, the role that was eventually played by Diana Penty.” He further revealed that Deepika later called him, after which he asked her to audition for Veronica, a character completely different from her public image at the time. Imtiaz said that since he had spent time with her and attended parties with her, he knew there was another side to her personality despite her otherwise projecting a “good girl” image. “Now people have seen through the facade. So I thought it would be something very new for Deepika to do. I knew that emotional ground existed, so that was exciting,” he added.