Saif Ali Khan has revealed that he was not the first choice for the lead role in the 2012 romantic drama Cocktail, claiming that several actors, including Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan, were approached before he eventually joined the project. The actor shared the anecdote while reflecting on the film's casting process following the release of Cocktail 2.

Speaking to Variety India, Saif Ali Khan said the filmmakers already had Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty on board but struggled to find an actor willing to play the male lead. According to Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone's character Veronica was so impactful that it may have discouraged several leading actors from taking up the role.

Recalling the discussions, Saif Ali Khan said, "They had Deepika and Diana, but they couldn't get a hero to play the part, probably because Veronica's part is so delicious." He added that the makers had approached Imran Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and a few other actors before he accepted the role, joking that they should all be thankful he eventually agreed to star in the film.

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Saif Ali Khan also spoke fondly of working with director Homi Adajania, saying he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had a great time making the film. The actor credited the enjoyable working environment and his rapport with the filmmaker as key reasons behind his memorable performance in the romantic comedy-drama.

The revelation comes as audiences revisit the original Cocktail following the release of Cocktail 2, which has received mixed reactions from viewers and critics. The 2012 film, featuring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, remains one of the most popular contemporary Bollywood romantic dramas and is widely appreciated for its performances and music.

Deepika Padukone's portrayal of Veronica earned widespread praise and is often regarded as one of the defining performances of her career. Saif Ali Khan's recent comments have reignited discussions about the film's casting, with fans imagining how the movie might have looked had Ranbir Kapoor or another actor accepted the role before Saif Ali Khan stepped in.

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