Farah Khan had surprised many by casting Akshay Kumar in Tees Maar Khan instead of favourite Shah Rukh Khan but the director says contrary to rumours her friendship with King Khan continues to be strong.
"So many things have been written since Akshay's name was announced. People do enjoy such things. I guess it is more entertaining. But there is nothing wrong with our friendship. I will remain Shah Rukh's friend till I die and I hope this is the case with him as well," Farah told PTI in an interview.
The choreographer-turned-director, who returns behind the camera after a gap of almost three years for Tees Maar Khan, says she could not wait for a year to start the movie with Shah Rukh being busy with home production Ra.One.
"We had this amazing script. We could not wait for a year. Shirish (Farah's husband) has already directed Akshay in Jaan-E-Mann. We found that Akshay was perfect for the role, so we decided to go ahead with the movie," said Farah.
What is her reaction to rumours, predicting the end of one of the most famous friendships in Bollywood?
"I have read a lot about the end of my friendship with Shah Rukh. It is funny initially but after sometime you start getting irritated," said the 45-year-old director.
Interestingly, Farah was seen in a cameo playing the role of a director who picks up a new star instead of Shah Rukh in Milap Zaveri's debut Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai? Was it an attempt from her side to take on the rumours?
"We shot those segments one and half years ago when we had not even planned Tees Maar Khan. So, I blame Milap for what is happening now," said Farah, adding, "Thank God, both Shah Rukh and I have a sense of humour and look up at the funny side of things."
The director had announced another film with Shah Rukh post the success of Om Shanti Om in 2007 but it seems Happy New Year is not happening for the time being.
"I had written some part of the story but it was taking too much time and then my daughter tore up the script. I don't use computer to write my script. It was a very modern and contemporary story but nothing is happening on it as of now," she said.
Farah has completed some 40 per cent of Tees Maar Khan and is planning to release it during Christmas. The film has been produced by husband Shirish Kunder and Akshay, who is paired opposite Katrina Kaif in the movie.
The director, who is known for making full on masala films, says her next film will be equally entertaining.
"I don't want to make a serious, boring films because that is not what I enjoy personally. This story is very entertaining and intelligent. And if by making a certain type of cinema I have created a brand for myself nothing like it because not many people have a brand name," said Farah.