DNA (September 9, 2018)

About two years ago, Karan Johar launched Dharma 2.0 to direct television commercials. Recently, Imran Khan shot an advertisement for the company whereas KJo filmed one with Deepika Padukone for a phone brand. Now, the ace producer-director is getting behind the camera for an ad featuring Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar.

Last year, the power couple was seen on screen after a long time for a jewellery brand. Our source said, “This time, they are endorsing a rice brand. The team wanted a real-life industry couple for the commercial and felt Akki and Twinkle would be apt for it. When the actors were told that KJo would helm the TVC, Mrs Funnybones had some cheeky remarks for her bestie.”

Incidentally, Twinkle was the filmmaker’s first choice for Tina’s role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), but she had refused his offer and it was then portrayed by Rani Mukerji. Recalling that incident, the former actress-turned-author joked, “This Kuch Kuch Hota Hai story is 20 years old. Now, for the first time, Karan is going to direct me in an ad. God save his soul as I can’t act at all.’’

However, the shoot went well. The source added, “They shot the TVC yesterday at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios. The entire unit was in splits, thanks to Twinkle, Akki and KJo’s camaraderie.”