As the star-studded teaser of Desi Boyz hit silver screen last Friday, Akshay Kumar’s pairing with Chitrangda Singh surprised filmgoers. Rohit Dhawan’s directorial debut venture also stars Deepika Padukone but she will be seen opposite John Abraham.

David Dhawan’s elder son Rohit, however, insists that Akshay was happy with Chitrangda paired opposite him. “When I suggested Chitra’s name to Akshay and Eros (producers), they jumped at it. In fact, Akshay was quite happy with my decision,” says Rohit. In the past, Akshay has paired with Deepika in Chandni Chowk To China (2009) and last year’s hit Housefull.

But Rohit isn’t worried about the new casting. “Everyone, including Akshay, had read the script and knew that she will bring a certain amount of freshness and newness to the film and, mark my words she has brought it in,” he says. Even though Chitrangda has been typecast as an actor who only plays ‘serious’ roles, Rohit believes that she is a versatile performer,  “She is a very good actress and a stunning woman, who is capable of pulling off many more things. Plus, she is a great dancer.”

According to Rohit, Chitrangda can also don the role of a proper masala heroine. “She and Akshay look great together just like John and Deepika. Also, she is too good looking a woman, who deserves to be a part of big films and flaunt expensive clothes and glamorous roles,” he says.

Rohit also clarifies that Desi Boyz is not a comedy flick. “It’s not a laugh riot or a gag film,” he says, adding, “And sometimes, that’s what I fear. People will go in expecting something else but it’s a plot-driven film with its share of fun moments. The characters too are very honest.”