Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has publicly clarified his recent comments about actress Deepika Padukone after social media users accused him of making an insensitive remark while discussing her role in Cocktail.

The 54-year-old director took to Instagram Stories and reshared a viral clip from his interview with News18 Showsha, where he had explained why he believed the Padmaavat star was the perfect choice for Veronica in the 2012 film.

In the interview, he said Deepika was first considered for Meera’s role, later played by Diana Penty, but he thought she fit Veronica better because she had a side people had not seen on screen.

“But since I had been in the room and attended parties with her, I know how crazy and wild she can be,” he had said, adding that at the time she carried a “good girl” image.

The remark quickly started circulating online, with some users criticising the filmmaker for calling Deepika’s public image a “facade”.

Soon after, the Highway director posted a long clarification directly addressing the actress.

“My dearest and loveliest Deepika Padukone, you are my pal, my buddy, my safe option for humour,” he wrote.

He further added, "I think you will never misunderstand my wannabe fun remarks because you more than anyone else know how much I love you, admire you, understand you, appreciate you…but I have been told you might misunderstand and be hurt so I am telling you pl don’t…”

The Tamasha filmmaker also said he never imagined he would have to issue such a disclaimer but did not want his words to be misunderstood.

 “To be mean to you is Janam mein to possible Nahin hai… I never thought I would write such a disclaimer to you but it’s been a while and didn’t want to take a chance. Wish you the best best and love always."

Cocktail, starring Deepika, Diana Penty and Saif Ali Khan, was directed by Homi Adajania and remains one of Deepika’s most talked-about performances.