This is probably the first time a director is publicly angry with certain actresses for spreading rumours about his film.
The usually easy-going Rohit Shetty is fuming at three top actresses creating speculation that they are acting in his film Chennai Express, starring Shah Rukh Khan. And the ladies in the firing line are Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Asin Thottumkal.
Culprit No 1 Kareena Kapoor Initially we heard that Kareena had signed the film. But the latest buzz is that she is no longer doing Chennai Express as her dates are clashing with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next opposite Ranveer Singh. Rohit clarifies, "Though I have often mentioned that Kareena is my favourite actress and that I would love to have her in the film, the fact is that we haven't approached her nor have we finalised any other actress. We will finalise that by April. In fact, I haven't met Kareena for nearly five months now."
Culprit No 2 Asin Thottumkal In a recent interview, Asin claimed that she had signed Rohit's film. Once again the director clarifies, "I am currently shooting for Bol Bachchan in Panchgani, and my sister sends me all the story clippings of the actresses we have presumably signed. Every day, I hear a new name. Even Shah Rukh is as confused as I am!"
Culprit No 3 Deepika Padukone The newest buzz is that Deepika is working out her dates to sign on Chennai Express with SRK. Rohit clarifies, "I got a call from someone a while ago asking if I had signed Deepika. I want to tell people to please stop this circus! I have a film to complete right now, so I want to focus on that. Till I return from Panchgani, I won't approach anyone. I don't know where these rumours are coming from. In all probability, none of these actresses will be signed for the role. But yes, this is a performance-oriented role and we need a beautiful face, so we will definitely sign an established name."