Anushka Sharma 'was first choice for Vishal Bhardwaj film'

Vishal Bhardwaj has revealed that Anushka Sharma was his first choice for his upcoming social satire.

The director has cast Sharma as Ajay Devgn's character's love interest in the film, which is a comedy with "dark undertones", Mumbai Mirror reports.

Bhardwaj said: "I loved Anushka in Band Baaja Baraat. But more than that, I can't forget her very impressive debut in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

"She is one of the finest actresses among the new lot. She was always my first choice for the film."

Bhardwaj added: "I know her socially, and thought she would be perfect as Ajay Devgn's love interest in the film."

Devgn is co-producing the movie along with Bhardwaj, who recently admitted that his plans to adapt Chetan Bhagat's Indian bestseller 2 States are on hold.

Bhardwaj revealed that he is still keen to cast Shah Rukh Khan in a leading role in the adaptation, about a couple from different states facing opposition from their respective parents.

Sharma, 23, will next be seen in the romantic comedy Ladies vs Ricky Bahl opposite her boyfriend and Band Baaja Baraat co-star Ranveer Singh.

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Watch Anushka Sharma in Band Baaja Baraat below: