Deepika Padukone, who debuts in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om with Shah Rukh, has turned down Hindi remake of Pokhiri with Salman

Model-turned-actress Deepika Padukone, who plays the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, has politely declined playing Salman Khan’s love interest in Boney Kapoor’s next film (a remake of the Telegu hit Pokhiri).

Our source reveals, “Deepika backed out at the eleventh hour in a very unprofessional manner.

Boney was waiting for her at a suburban preview theatre for the screening of the original film, so that she could get a feel of her role.

But then, her business manager called him barely 15 minutes before the show and said she was not interested in doing the film!”

When contacted, Kapoor confirms that Deepika has backed of his film, but refuses to admit the circumstances under which she did it.

“A screening was supposed to happen but it didn’t, as Deepika informed me in advance that she couldn’t do it.

I wanted this film to be her next after Om Shanti Om and I had categorically told her that. But she told me it won’t be possible as she was committed to other projects,” says Boney.

When asked if he is disappointed about Deepika’s exit, Boney laughs, “There is no question of being disappointed, as I’ve not lost a big star.

I have shortlisted two new faces and I will soon announce the name of the girl who will play the lead opposite Salman. Shooting starts in June.”

No details

Meanwhile, Deepika had a different story to tell. She says, “I only met Mr Kapoor once, and all I was told is that the film is a remake of a South film, Salman will be the hero and that he would produce it. Beyond that, no details were discussed.

Also, I was told that they would get back to me about the screening.”

About refusing the film, Deepika quips, “I hadn’t confirmed my availability to do the film in the first place, so what’s the fuss about? I had date problems.

Mr Kapoor wanted certain dates that were not feasible for me. Also, there was no screening arranged for me.”

Deepika avers that she has been a model for quite some time and is known to be extremely professional. “The screening was supposed to happen provided both parties agreed on a time and date.

Later, they themselves told me that there was no point in arranging a screening if I wasn’t doing the film. Mr Kapoor’s secretary Shyam coordinated the entire thing. If there was a miscommunication from his end, I don’t know.”

(Source: Mid-Day)