While Saif has been finalized for the lead actor’s role, there seems to be a tough competition between Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone for female protagonist’s role.

Deepika a better choice?
Until recently, speculations were rife that Padukone had replaced Piggy Chops in the adaptation, owing to her south Indian connection.

Few days ago, multiple tabloids had reported Padukone as the filmmaker’s first choice saying that the role of south Indian girl, Ananya, was “tailor made for her.”

Sources close to producer Sajid had said, “Sajid and Siddharth feel that Deepika is a better choice for the role of a south Indian than Priyanka is.”

Priyanka confirmed for ‘Two States’
Interestingly, now both producer Sajid and director Siddharth have cleared the air stating that Priyanka has been signed for the film and that there was never a change in actress, it was in the script.

Recently, Priyanka’s father called Sajid, also Chopras family friend, for a clarification on cast change, which is when the producer felt the need to end the whole confusion.

"You have no idea how much these cast-change rumours have embarrassed me. Priyanka's parents are dear friends. I didn't know what to tell them. The truth is, I've not asked for any change in the cast. Why should I? It's the director's call," he said.

Sajid further explained, “Saif and Siddharth had come to me with another script which I had liked. It was decided that Priyanka would be paired with Saif. Then the script changed.

Saif and Siddharth decided they wanted to do Chetan Bhagat’s 2 States. I loved the story. So the script changed. As far as I’m concerned the cast did not.”

As a matter of fact, the director has not intimated Sajid that the new script needs a new leading lady.

So, where did the rumors start from? “It probably came from the girl in 2 States being South Indian. And Deepika and Asin are the two big South Indian heroines in Mumbai right now.”

On asking if he was double minded about the actor, he replied, “I know she can do it. She’s got terrific determination and drive.”

The shooting for the film will start later this year.