Imtiaz Ali issues clarification to Deepika Padukone over 'good girl image' remark: 'You might misunderstand and be hurt so I am telling you...'

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has issued a heartfelt clarification to actor Deepika Padukone after raising eyebrows with his recent comments about her public image while filming the hit movie 'Cocktail'.

Imitaz Ali issues clarification to Deepika Padukone

Taking to his Instagram Stories, Imtiaz addressed Deepika directly and sought to clear the air over remarks he made during his recent interview, which has gone viral online. "My dearest and loveliest @deepikapadukone," he began and went on to write, "you are my pal, my buddy, my safe option for humour, I think you will never misunderstand my wannabe fun remarks because you more than anyone else know how much I love you, admire you, understand you, appreciate you... but I have been told you might misunderstand and be hurt so I am telling you pl don't..."

He also added, "To be mean to you is janam mein to possible nahin hai (To be mean to you is not possible in this lifetime)... 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."

Imtiaz Ali pens heartfelt post for Deepika Padukone

Imtiaz Ali's comment on Deepika Padukone's 'good girl image'

The clarification comes after a video of Imtiaz went viral online. In the clip, he discussed the casting process of 'Cocktail' during an interview with News18. Speaking about the film’s development, the filmmaker revealed that Deepika was initially considered for the role of Meera, which was eventually played by Diana Penty. "I had written the story called Cocktail, and they were trying to cast it. They gave Deepika to read for Meera's part, the role which later Diana played," Imtiaz recalled.

He added, "Then she called me, and I asked her to play Veronica. I said, 'Why don't you read it for Veronica?'"

The filmmaker further explained, "Veronica is so different from what Deepika's image was at that point of time. But since I had been in the room and attended parties with her, I know how crazy and wild she can be, even though she was otherwise projecting a very 'good girl' image at that time."

He continued, "Now people have seen through the facade. So I thought it would be quite a new thing for Deepika to do. I knew that emotional ground exists, so that was exciting."

Imtiaz Ali and Deepika Padukone's films

Deepika’s portrayal of Veronica in 'Cocktail' went on to become one of the defining performances of her career and the film also went on to become a box office success. The film is now getting its sequel with Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna taking up the lead trio's roles.

Imtiaz and Deepika worked on three films together, including 'Tamasha' with Ranbir Kapoor and 'Love Aaj Kal' with Saif Ali Khan.