But all that seems to be a matter of the past. Kareena and John have now gone ahead and surprised many by signing a film. Ironically, the man on whose talk show this tu-tu-main-main transpired is instrumental in bringing the duo together.

John’s role was earlier offered to Saif Ali Khan, who declined it because apparently he didn’t think the audience would accept him as Kajol’s as well as Kareena’s husband. This is the second time Saif has refused Karan Johar. Earlier Saif turned down Dostana which also featured John.

According to a source, Dharma Productions were earlier toying with the idea of getting a senior actor like Anil Kapoor or Anupam Kher to play Kajol and Kareena’s husband. “Karan wants a young cast. He doesn’t want his version of Stepmom to be targeted at the older generation. With Kajol, Kareena and John in the picture this becomes a jazzy new-age version of Stepmom,” the source said.