Why is Chitrangda, and not Deepika, paired opposite Akshay in Desi Boyz?

October 17, 2011 - 12:31 PM IST

Promos of Desi Boyz are conveying one thing quite clearly, that Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone are not paired opposite each other. Considering the fact that they are bigger superstars in the film when compared to their respective counterparts - John Abraham and Chitrangda Singh - it was just apt that they were seen together. However, first time director Rohit Dhawan thought differently.

Why is Chitrangda, and not Deepika, paired opposite Akshay in Desi Boyz?

"Akshay and Deepika have worked together in Chandni Chowk To China and Housefull. Even though former hadn't worked, latter had turned out to be a good money spinner, hence establishing them as a pair. When they were cast again for Desi Boyz, everyone assumed that they would be paired opposite each other. However, when Rohit detailed his plans, people were caught by surprise. The fact that despite Deepika in the film, it would be Chitrangda romancing Akshay was something that no one saw coming", says a senior crew member.

This is when Rohit sat down and explained his strategy. He said that since he wanted Akshay's love story to be mature while John's romantic rendezvous to be far younger and hep, he felt that it made sense to come up with a role interchange. Resultantly, Deepika stepped in as John's leading lady, hence resulting in a first time pairing for the man who was just seen romancing an even more petite Genelia D'Souza in Force.

Rohit admits that it was a conscious call to break the monotony with his very first film. "While writing the film itself I was sure that I wanted my star-pairing to be a fresh combination. Why to bring Akshay and Deepika together again just because they have worked in a couple of movies before? On the contrary, the script of Desi Boyz didn't demand a pairing that had been seen before; I needed a certain freshness."

This is when Chitrangda Singh was roped in since the young director had been bowled over by her acting skills right from the times of Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi.

"She has done a few offbeat films and it is recognized by all that she is a huge talent", continues Rohit, "I was very keen at her and in this first out and out commercial affair, she is certainly going to spring a pleasant surprise. Trust me, Akshay and Chitrangda look stunning together; they are like these true man and woman who are on the mature side and give just the right emotional equilibrium to the film."

He isn't discounting John-Deepika pairing though. "Aaah, they are fun", he smiles, "There is no better sight than to see John driving a bike while wearing a leather jacket and Deepika grasping him while sitting behind. It is utmost believable to see them as a young couple so much in love."