Imtiaz feels Deepika is a risk

Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali is going to direct Deepika Padukone in his next venture under Saif Ali Khan’s production. Imtiaz tasted success by casting Kareena in his last flick and sweeped away maximum award but he did not carry forward his lucky mascot and to everyone’s surprise he cut off Bebo from his new flick and casted newcomer Deepika Padukone who is just two films old and still to prove her credentials. About casting Deepika, he says, "Casting Deepika was a risk, it was a challenge to myself, because she is a newcomer." Another reason Deepika made the cut was "because her character is very silent, hiding various things inside her. I thought it suited her really well."

But why not Kareena? "I am more fond of Kareena than people think. I really like her a lot. If I’d cast her, she would’ve easily pulled off the role," says Imtiaz. He is yet to decide the title of the flick. Shot in Red Fort, Purana Qila and on the streets of Delhi and some parts in London, San Francisco and Kolkata, it traces the story of Jay (Saif) and Meera (Deepika) and the impact of modern day practicality on relationships.

This untitled flick of Saif and Deepika is still in the production stage and expected to hit the silver screen by early next year.