Deepika Padukone to play Ajay Devgan’s heroine in Prakash Jha’s ‘Aarakshan’. Actually, Deepika was not Prakash’s first choice, it was Katrina Kaif. Since Kat fail to give her dates, Jha approached Deepika and she readily grabbed the meaty role.
‘Aarakshan’ is based on student politics and job reservations. Says an industry source, "Initially, Jha was keen to sign Kat for the romantic lead opposite Ajay. He had approached her, post-Raajneeti but she was committed to Dostana 2.
However, she didn't want to lose out on this meaty role and kept him hanging saying she would try and make time."
An insider adds, "Impressed by Kat's work during Raajneeti, Prakash was keen to have her on board once again.
She promised him that after she returned from shooting in Spain for Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, she would discuss the script.
But that hasn't happened. In stead, she signed YRF's next with Imran Khan and has been shooting for it all over North India."
This did not go well with the director and without wasting any time, he has signed Deepika. Moreover, Dips's acting in her recent films like ‘Lafangey Parindey’ and Kartik Calling Karthik’ impressed Jha and he feels that she would be the right choice.
Deepika too is keen to work with the National Award-winning director. The source adds, "She said yes immediately when Prakash approached her."
When Prakash Jha was asked about his lead actors he refused to comment.