Nikhil Advani who is coproducing ‘Katti Batti’ with Sidharth Roy Kapoor, has signed Kangana Ranaut opposite Imran Khan for the romedy. Confirming this, he says she’s the perfect choice for Payal, a fine arts student who isn’t sure if she wants to be a model, a teacher or an architect. But hadn’t Ileana D’Cruz been finalised for the part? “We were talking to several people one of whom was Ileana. But as the script shaped up, we felt Kangana’s quirky personality would bring this eccentric character to life,” Nikhil asserts.

Wasn’t it difficult convincing Kangana considering Imran’s dismal box-office run? She has rejected a couple of films recently. Nikhil insists she heard the narration and immediately said yes. “She’s a gutsy actress who has never played safe. When I told Imran that she’s on board, he was thrilled,” he insists. The film rolls in September before Hero releases and will be shot in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. “It’s a progressive look at modern relationships. The title reflects the dramatic equation Kangana and Imran share in,” says Nikhil.