Deepika was the perfect choice for `Love Aaj Kal`: Imtiaz

Mumbai, June 12: Director Imitiaz Ali, who gave superhit `Jab We Met` with Kareena Kapoor as the female lead, feels that the actress did not fit the bill this time, for his forthcoming film `Love Aaj Kal`, featuring Deepika Padukone as the leading lady. "Kareena is my favourite actor. But, I can`t cast her in a wrong role just for the sake of working with her. I have to be fair to her and her talent," the filmmaker said justifying his decision not to repeat Kareena Kapoor.

"Deepika was the perfect choice for `Meera`, the female lead of `Love..` as she has a unique sense of silence in her," he said. To a question on whether he was nervous before the release given the fact that `Jab We Met` was a commercial success as well as critically acclaimed, Imtiaz said, "nervousness is a luxury directors can`t afford." Stating that he was not scared about how the film would be received, Imtiaz said, "if I don`t embarrass myself..after seeing the film on completion..then it has to be good... no matter if it`s a commercial success or not." On his working relationship with Saif Ali Khan who was not only his leading man, but also his producer, Imtiaz said Saif was very happy to be just an actor on the sets. "If the synergy between an actor and director is good, it reflects positively on the overall film," he felt. Imtiaz said he was not being judgemental of love then and now. "I am just the witness," he said adding that his films were a reflection of his experiences in real life. "I have grown up in a middle class family which travelled in different small towns of the country due to my father`s transferable job before settling down in Delhi and later in Mumbai," Imtiaz said. The director is especially excited about `Love Aaj Kal` as yesteryear actress Neetu Singh makes a comeback in this film. On how he got her nod for the movie, Imtiaz said, "I was on my knees persuading her to accept the offer. Her husband and actor Rishi Kapoor, who also plays an important role in the film, put in some good words from our side." "Both she and Rishiji display a positive romantic energy in real life and on screen," he said. To a question on his progression to directing top stars after debuting with `Socha Na Tha` with newcomer Abhay Deol, Imtiaz said, "certain stories solicit presence of established stars." Bureau Report