Sanjay Leela Bhansali clarifies on Karan Johar's casting snub

New Delhi: They are considered to be the class apart filmmakers, in their own respective genres. If one depicts flamboyant and glossy characters, the other believes in showcasing the brooding, dark lover. Yes, we are indeed talking about Karan Johar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The makers, never really crossed paths, until very recently. In an interview with the leading daily, Bhansali has clarified his stand over Johar's remark that he stole his lead actors. Well, for many who don't know, KJo was planning to rope in Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh for his ambitious project 'Shuddhi', after Hrithik and Kareena made a walk out.

However, even Dippy darling and Ranveer decided to excuse themselves from the project, and went on to sign SLB's 'Bajirao Mastani'. This might be seen as a common trend in Bollywood, but it didn't go down too well with the chat show-cum-director Karan Johar.

SLB, in the interview reveals that he considered Karan a friend, and would never think about taking away his actors for a film. He said that he never knew about Dippy-Ranveer pair being offered 'Shuddhi', as the film was initially thought to have Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Therefore, there is no question of stealing the actors.

We are sure none is complaining now, if Bhansali has got his favourites playing Bajirao and Mastani, then Karan too has roped in the biggest of all Khans—Salman Khan for 'Shuddhi'. All's well that ends well!