Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 25, 2017)

Majid Majidi's next, 'Beyond The Clouds', went on floors yesterday. On November 11, 2016, hitlist had reported that actress Deepika Padukone did a look test with the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker in Dhobi Ghat (at Mahalaxmi). Pictures from the shoot went viral, and some reports claimed that Deepika has bagged the lead role. However, a source close to the development tells us that the director "let her pass because she didn't fit the bill".

The source reveals, "Besides Deepika, three other leading actresses were shortlisted for the role, but no one has been confirmed yet. Deepika is not part of the film for sure. The fact that pictures from her meeting with Majidi were leaked didn't favour her case either. To many in Majidi's team, it seemed that the actress was using the audition of the film to further her interests on the international arena. At that time, Majidi didn't know of Deepika's standing in the industry. His only prerogative was to get right actors for his story."

Speaking to the media yesterday, the Iranian filmmaker said, "I want to work with Deepika, but for this film we'll have to go with new faces."

Deepika remained unavailable for comment.