Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali on Tuesday issued a clarification over his viral remark about actor Deepika Padukone’s casting in his 2012 movie ‘Cocktail’, saying his comments were made in a light-hearted manner and should not be misunderstood.Ali’s remarks about Deepika sparked controversy online and the director said he decided to post the clarification as he did not want to take a chance on their long standing friendship.”My dearest and loveliest @deepikapadukone, you are my pal, my buddy, my safe option for humour. 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 and appreciate you.”But I have been told you might misunderstand and be hurt, so I am telling you plz don’t. To be mean to you ‘is janam mein to possible nahin hai’ (not possible in this lifetime). I never thought I would write such a disclaimer to you, but it’s been a while, and I didn’t want to take a chance. Wish you the best and love always,” he wrote on Instagram.The controversy stems from an interview that Ali gave while promoting his new movie ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’.Discussing ‘Cocktail’, a movie that he wrote, Ali said Deepika was offered to play Meera but he advised her to take up the role of Veronika, a free-spirited girl residing in London. Ali said he felt Deepika had that side in her despite her image of a ‘good girl’.His remarks received a mixed response on social media with several calling it unnecessary criticism.‘Cocktail’, released in 2012, was directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Dinesh Vijan. The story revolved around a love triangle between Veronika, Saif Ali Khan’s flirtatious Gautam Kapoor and Diana Penty’s Meera Sahni, a reserved girl from India who relocates to London. Deepika received critical acclaim for playing Veronika.Ali directed Deepika in ‘Love Aaj Kal’ and ‘Tamasha’.