A file photo of Deepika Padukone at the press conference to announce the 'Om Shanti Om' tie with Lycra MTV Style Awards. Photo Credit: IANSApril 10, 2008 (Sawf News) - Deepika Padukone is now a contender to play romantic lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, a romance between a 40-old-man and a 16-year-old girl that has an interesting twist in its climax.
Already in the fray for the lead role is Sonam Kapoor.
When Yash Raj Films announced their new project they indicated that the female protagonist would be a 16-year-old newcomer.
Following the announcement, the banner launched a massive talent hunt for the right combination of Punjabi looks and histrionic abilities, interviewing hundreds of girls in the process.
The only girl that came up to the mark was Simran, who was brought to Bombay, along with her family.
According to HT, while training Simran to face the camera, Aditya had doubts about her ability to do justice to the role, prompting him to look for alternatives.
One young and talented Punjabi girl that the whole country already knew about was Sonam Kapoor.
Sonam's father Anil Kapoor, himself a talented actor, was receptive to the idea, and several meetings later Sonam was on board.
It is not clear what prompted Aditya to bring Deepika, who already has her hands full with projects, into the fray. Sonam on the other hand has just finished filming for Dilli 6 and as no other projects on hand.
Pre-production work on the film, which will be shot in Greece, Australia and Dubai, has already started. Production is scheduled to begin in May for a release on December 12.
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