Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali clarified his stance after his comment about Deepika Padukone’s ‘good girl image’ created a buzz online. Read on to know what really happened.
Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali share a bond that goes back over a decade. From the soulful Love Aaj Kal to the cult classic Tamasha, they have given cinephiles some of their most cherished movie memories. However, a recent interview clip of Imtiaz discussing Deepika’s role as Veronica in Cocktail sent social media into an absolute frenzy. Now, he has clarified his stance.
Imtiaz Ali clarifies he doesn’t want to hurt Deepika Padukone
After Imtiaz Ali’s comments about Deepika Padukone’s ‘good girl image’ drew unexpected flak online, the director decided to clear the air immediately. Taking to his Instagram stories, he issued a public clarification, addressing his favorite leading lady directly.
On his social media, Ali expressed, “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.”
The filmmaker further added, “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.”
For the unversed, the chatter began when a video from Imtiaz’s recent interview with News18 started circulating online. While walking down memory lane about the casting of Homi Adajania’s Cocktail, the director revealed that Deepika was initially given the script to read for the character of Meera (eventually played by Diana Penty).
However, after a phone call with her, Imtiaz suggested she test for Veronica instead. Explaining his thought process, Imtiaz made a remark that raised quite a few eyebrows: