16. Saif Ali Khan – Deepika Padukone (Imtiaz Ali’s Next)
It hasn’t begun shooting yet, but Imtiaz Ali is prepared to come back with a bang after capturing hearts with his recently released Jab We Met. Much to her dismay, Imtiaz chose not to opt for Kareena Kapoor as his leading lady this time around and went for Deepika Padukone as well. Making the project even more exciting is the fact that the film will be produced by Saif Ali Khan and he will also play a lead role in the film. Even after their pair had tried and failed before, Imtiaz added a new dimension to Shahid-Kareena in Jab We Met. Let’s hope he does the same for these two, because we’re ready for a change.
17. Ritesh Deshmukh – Jacqueline Fernandez (Aladdin – The Mystery of the Lamp)
It has long been speculated who will reprise Jasmine’s role in the Hindi version of Aladdin while Ritesh takes the lead. Director and producer Sujoy Ghosh has confirmed that Sri Lankan beauty queen Jacqueline Fernandez will make her debut in Indian cinema with this role. Earlier Ayesha Takia was supposed to play the same part, but she later opted out due to some unknown complications. Instead, Jackie as she is fondly called stepped in her place and makes this film exciting at least for the fact that a fresh pair will hit the screens.
18. Ranvir Shorey – Mallika Sherawat (Ugly aur Pagli)
Mallika always ends up with the most bizarre pairings. First with Rahul Bose in Pyaar Ke Side Effects and now with Ranvir Shorey in the city-centric Ugly aur Pagli…who’s next? We’re not complaining! It’s getting boring to see the most predictable of actors joining hands in a serenade of love, it’s time for something different even if it does look a bit awkward! After all, that’s part and package of the storyline. Critics of Mallika can harp on all they want, but the actress has proven she’s a force to reckon with in the acting department with strong performances in Murder and Pyaar Ke Side Effects. And I need not ramble on about Ranvir Shorey—the guy is brilliant (See Mithya). Will these two wrongs make a right? I think so.
19. Shahid Kapur – Vidya Balan (Kismat Konnection)
Both are on a career high with Jab We Met and Bhool Bhulaiyaa winning them respective accolades for outstanding performances. Aziz Mirza returns after a long time with a fresh pair sans his regular Shah Rukh Khan for a youthful love story that seems like it will do the trick. The leading pair is set to have got along like a house on fire during the making. Let’s hope this equation translates on to the silver screen!
20. Shah Rukh Khan – Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
He’s 43. She’s 19. Unlikely combination? Does it remind you of Nishabd’s tagline? Apparently Aditya Chopra has an old man-young woman love story in mind for his love story set in Punjab. The film is touted to be an absolute extravaganza for the sheer fact that it stars King Khan in Adi’s comeback film after Mohabbatein. No one is quite sure how the pair will shape up, but Yash Chopra ensures that Anushka is perfect for the job. With a title like that, this might just be the best jodi of the year!
By now, we hope you’ve stifled your yawns over Bollywood’s conventional couples and taken notice of these new and exciting jodis coming your way this year. Caution, fireworks ahead!
