May 28, 2025: Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor’s off-screen history may have made headlines in the past, but it’s their undeniable on-screen chemistry that continues to capture hearts. The duo remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated on-screen pairs, delivering unforgettable performances in blockbusters like Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), and Tamasha (2015).
Interestingly, fans almost witnessed another collaboration between the two in Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar (2011). The director revealed in a 2019 blog post that Deepika was his original choice for the female lead. “She got off the car at the hotel porch and looked at me. I immediately knew that this is the girl I have come to meet,” Imtiaz wrote. At the time, none of Deepika’s films had been released, but the director said her eyes held a knowing presence. “I wanted her for Rockstar, but the movie didn’t get made till many years later,” he added.
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Ultimately, the role of Heer Kaul went to Nargis Fakhri, who debuted opposite Ranbir Kapoor’s emotionally intense portrayal of Jordan. While Fakhri faced criticism for her lack of acting experience, Rockstar still achieved cult status and remains one of Ranbir’s finest performances.
Deepika and Imtiaz eventually worked together on Love Aaj Kal (2009) and Tamasha (2015), as well as Cocktail (2012), which was directed by Homi Adajania but scripted by Imtiaz.
The question now lingers: Should Deepika and Ranbir team up again on screen? With a track record of delivering emotionally rich, visually stunning films, a reunion — perhaps under the direction of Imtiaz Ali or another auteur — could be a cinematic moment to remember.