Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali Clarifies Remarks on Deepika Padukone After Online Controversy

Mumbai. Bollywood filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has had to clarify with actress Deepika Padukone. After Imtiaz recently stated in an interview that Deepika's 'good girl' image was just a facade, an online controversy began. Following this, Imtiaz issued a clarification and explanation. Imtiaz has directed Deepika in two films.

On Monday, Imtiaz Ali shared a screenshot of a news article related to his comments about Deepika Padukone on social media. The headline of the article was 'Imtiaz Ali's comment on Deepika Padukone sparks online controversy'.

Sharing the same screenshot, Imtiaz wrote a note addressing Deepika Padukone, 'My dearest and best friend Deepika Padukone, you are my confidante, my most trusted friend for jokes and fun.'

He further wrote, 'I don't think you will ever misunderstand my humorous comments, because you know better than anyone else how much I love you, how much I praise you, how much I understand you, and how much I value you. But I have been told that you might misunderstand this and feel bad, so I am telling you, please don't. It is impossible to treat you badly in this life.'

Imtiaz stated that although he did not want to write such a 'disclaimer', he could not leave the situation to fate. The filmmaker said, 'I never thought I would write such a disclaimer for you, but a lot of time has passed and I didn't want to take any risks. Best wishes and always love from me.'

Earlier, speaking to the media, Imtiaz had recently discussed the difference between Deepika's off-screen persona and her character in the 2012 film 'Cocktail'. He had said, 'Veronica, she is very different from the image Deepika had at that time. But I have spent time with her and attended parties with her, so I know how carefree and unrestrained she can be, even though she was projecting a good girl image at that time.'

He also said that people have now recognized this facade of hers. Therefore, he felt it was an opportunity to do something new for Deepika, and knowing that she has emotional depth made it very exciting, according to Imtiaz.

The pair of Deepika Padukone and Imtiaz Ali first worked together in the 2009 romantic drama film 'Love Aaj Kal', which also starred Saif Ali Khan in the lead role. After this, the actor-director duo worked together again in the 2015 film 'Tamasha', in which Ranbir Kapoor played the lead role.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is currently awaiting the release of his new film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'. This period drama film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, Vedant Raina, and Naseeruddin Shah in lead roles. The film is set to release in theaters on June 12.