I think the stars that have worked with NGE generally sign on board being completely assured that the company is primarily interested in making top-quality, universally appealing films (and has to live up to this reputation) and have gone ahead to do the films that they have, sometimes even without bothering to read the script.

With each script that I was working on, it was becoming increasingly evident that I wanted to work with Akshay Kumar. From the time I worked with him as an AD on Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, to his meteoric rise as a super star, Akshay has always been very supportive and encouraging of me. It, in fact, surprises me just how much he encourages new and young talent. So Akshay essentially led himself into being a part of the film and becoming Viraj Shergill because the role was written specifically for him.

Choosing Kareena to play Simrita Rai was a decision heavily determined by her brilliant performance in Jab We Met. I had gone to see Jab We Met with Sajid and we both absolutely loved it, especially Kareena's performance. Kambakkht Ishq is a film with equally significant male and female protagonists - both characters have equal importance and demand strong performances. We needed two actors who would be completely on par with each other's acting abilities and have equally strong on-screen personas. As Akshay was cast as Viraj, we felt there would be no one better than Kareena to match him as Simrita.

Now that I can look back retrospectively, having completed the film, I can confidently say that I could not have asked for anyone better than Akshay to play Viraj. The character demanded foremost a need to look physically right for the part (an ultra fit guy who is stuntman and body double to the best actors in Hollywood), but also the ability to be a brash guy with loads of chauvinistic attitude. Akshay's training and expertise in action and martial arts primed him perfectly for the role and his acting capabilities are exemplified by his portrayal of an arrogant, chauvinistic man. Kareena brought life to her character beautifully as well. Simrita too had a specific physical characterization as she is a surgeon moonlighting as a model. But she is also a self-possessed, independent woman who alternates from being hard-nosed and stubborn to quite relatable and vulnerable to the complications of love. Kareena was able to bring the style and pizzazz needed for Simrita as well as draw out the emotional complexities of her character.

Both Akshay and Kareena have excelled in their roles, and their chemistry is so explosive in Kambakkht Ishq that you will have to see it to believe it.