Humungous expectations from Love Aaj Kal

There’re humungous expectations from LOVE AAJ KAL, but Imtiaz Ali isn’t nervous. “People are bound to compare LOVE AAJ KAL with JAB WE MET, but that’s something I’m not worried about. Neither am I nervous. And nor am I getting any sleepless nights. I guess, it’s an emotional defect,” Imtiaz chuckles. LOVE AAJ KAL marks the debut of Saif Ali Khan as a producer [he’s co-producing the film with Dinesh Vijan]. “When Saif first told me he was keen to produce the film, I was surprised. I asked him the reasons for turning producer and I was convinced when he spelt them out. He wants to make movies that he believes in and our thoughts matched completely,” Imtiaz reveals, “But Saif also clarified that he’d concentrate on acting only, while Dinesh would look after the day-to-day production.” Since the film is produced by Saif himself, one expected Kareena Kapoor to star in the film, but it’s Deepika Padukone this time. “I wouldn’t be justifying her [Kareena] talent if I didn’t give her the same importance as in JAB WE MET. Deepika was always my first choice and I must add, she has enacted her part with amazing understanding. I am sure, people will be pleasantly surprised,” Imtiaz divulges. Not many are aware that Imtiaz was keen on calling the film AAJ KAL, since the film talks of kal [Rishi Kapoor] and aaj [Saif]. “Since the film is primarily a love story, we decided to add ‘Love’ before ‘Aaj Kal’. That explains the title,” Imtiaz adds. So what’s his next move? “I haven’t finalized a script yet, but I have one film with Shree Ashtavinayak and another with Sajid Nadiadwala,” he reveals.