Parineeti didn't want to work with Ayushmann
You already know that Parineeti Chopra will be seen opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in her comeback film, Meri Pyaari Bindu (We told you first! Parineeti Chopra in YRF-Maneesh Sharma film, Feb 9). But what you don’t know is that the actress had initially refused to pair up with the Vicky Donor actor.
But what you don’t know is that the actress had initially refused to pair up with the Vicky Donor actor.
The story goes, the film’s writer Suprotim Sengupta had penned the script to be directed by his good friend Soumik Sen. Sujoy Ghosh was on board as the producer then.
Image Source: jogimara
The romantic drama was then titled Side B – in sync with the story which is set in the 90s where two neighbours fall in love with each other over their shared interest in Hindi film songs, which they listen to on their music cassettes.
We hear, Soumik and Suprotim went to Pari with the script, who showed interest in being a part of the project. Considering she is a Yash Raj talent, the actress sought head honcho Aditya Chopra’s permission to do a film outside the banner and came on board.
Next, the director-writer duo set out to hunt for the male lead. Too bad for them, many actors including Arjun Kapoor turned the film down (Arjun turned down Parineeti’s Meri Pyaari Bindu, Feb 19).
After 2 months of knocking on several actors’ doors, Soumik and Suprotim took the story to Ayushmann Khurrana. Much like Pari, the Dum Laga Ke Haisha actor is a YRF talent. He too sought Adi’s blessings and signed the film.
Soumik and Suprotim were naturally thrilled to finally have their cast in place. But their joy was short-lived.
When the Ladies vs Ricky Bahl actress heard that Ayushmann was the chosen male lead, she told the director-writer duo in no uncertain terms: I don’t want to work with Ayushmann. Change the hero or I won’t be a part of the project.
Poor Soumik was at his wits’ end. The Gulaab Gang director couldn’t believe that his film had met another obstacle.
Suprotim too realised that his script may never see the light of day with Soumik and Sujoy. So what did he do?
The writer, who had registered the story under his name, smartly sold the story to Yash Raj.
Adi instantly called on his talents – Pari and Ayushmann – and set the ball rolling.
Did Pari voice out her disinterest in teaming up with Ayushmann then? No way would she dare to refute her mentor’s orders.
And what happened to Soumik and Sujoy? Soumik couldn’t believe that his long time friend had stabbed him in the back.
When SpotboyE contacted Suprotim, he said, “Yes, I took my script to Yash Raj.” Before we could probe him further, he added, “I’m in a meeting. I will call you back.”
The call never came. Presumably, he is still in the meeting.
Image Source: Manav Manglani & Indiaforum
