Saif Ali Khan Says Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan Likely Rejected Cocktail Because Deepika Padukone Had Better Role

With the release of Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon starrer Cocktail 2, fans of the franchise are growing increasingly nostalgic for the movie magic created by Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty in the original film. In 2012, Cocktail offered a refreshing take on modern relationships, which can often be confusing. However, not many are aware that Saif Ali Khan was not the first choice for Gautam’s role.

In a recent chat with Variety India, Saif Ali Khan revealed that while Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty had been locked for the film, the makers were having trouble finding their leading hero. “They had Deepika and Diana, but they couldn’t get a hero to play the part, probably because Veronica’s part is so delicious,”

Saif said, referring to Deepika Padukone’s iconic role.

Yea Saifu we are thankful 🫶 pic.twitter.com/IBCeWF6aGH

— Taaaraa…. (@channymeria__) June 19, 2026

Saif Ali Khan further revealed, “I remember some names they asked. I think they had asked Imran (Khan) and they had asked Ranbir (Kapoor). And they had asked a few people, and I said, ‘Okay, chal, I’ll do it.’ And I think they should all be very thankful I did (laughs). That’s my story. Yeah, because I had great fun. I love Homi (Adajania). And we had a good time doing it.”

Besides rejecting the film himself, Ranbir Kapoor also suggested Deepika Padukone not to do the film. However, the actress followed her instinct and delivered one of her most memorable performances in Hindi cinema yet. Soon after the film’s release, her fans started calling her ‘Veronica’ instead of ‘Deepika’. Ranbir Kapoor also admitted that his judgment was incorrect.

Cocktail 2 Review

Now, years later, Shahid, Rashmika and Kriti have stepped up to take the franchise forward. However, Cocktail 2 has largely failed to build on the legacy of the original film. News18 gave it 2.5 stars. Part of our review read, “Ultimately, what we’re left with is a one-tone, predictable and quintessential Bollywood love triangle where two women squabble over a man, who doesn’t quite have the pull or the comic timing of Cocktail’s Gautam (played by Saif Ali Khan). To put it plainly, Cocktail 2 is like old wine in a not-so- new bottle that we’ve tasted too many times.”

“Cocktail 2 wants to bottle the upheavals of modern love but is too afraid of spilling any of it. For all its talk of complicated relationships and emotional infidelity, it remains too safe. The designer clothes and postcard-perfect locations stand out, but this intoxication is fleeting. Once the high wears off, you’re left with a rom-com that’s little romance and even lesser comedy,” News18’s review also mentioned.