"Abhay is a very fine and brilliant actor. I have worked with him in 'Raanjhanaa' and I have liked his work in films like 'Dev D', 'Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!'. He is choosy about the film he wants to do. It is his choice when he wants to do a film," Rai told PTI.
"He is a lazy talented actor and I often tell him that. He does a film, then he goes somewhere and then makes a comeback. I told him to keep working and that the directors need him."
Diana's debut film "Cocktail" had released in 2012 and post that she took a break.
However, praising the actress, Rai said, "Diana had taken a sabbatical from work. She is very hard working and she brought in freshness to the film."
Even Abhay was last seen in "Raanjhanaa" which released in 2013, but the 45-year-old "Tanu Weds Manu" helmer isn't worried about his lead actors missing from screen for quite sometime. He rather feels the pair of Abhay and Diana is looking fresh.
"I loved the humour, the comic element. It's a cross border light-hearted romantic story without politics attached to it," he said.
Rai gave complete liberty to director Mudassar Aziz in making the romantic-comedy.
"I gave freedom and space to the director to follow his vision. I was available to him whenever he needed me to give suggestions," he said.
Rai is quite happy the way the film has turned out.
Produced by Rai and Krishika Lulla, the film also features Ali Fazal and Momal Sheikh in the lead roles. It releases on August 19.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
