A source tells us, “SLB’s debut film Khamoshi was actually supposed to star Aishwarya Rai who was a model at the time. She wasn’t fit for the role so it went to Manisha, who did a splendid job in the film. Now, after more than a decade, SLB and Manisha are working together on My Friend Pinto which Raghav Dar will direct. Smita Patil’s son Prateik Babbar is part of the film too. Manisha is really happy with her role in the film.”

While Aishwarya has the lead role in Raavan, Manisha has a small role in the ensemble film. “Both Manisha and Aishwarya have worked with Mani Ratnam in the past. Manisha has done Bombay and Dil Se, while Ash has done Guru and Iruvar (her debut film) with Mani. They don’t have any scenes together in the movie and have shot separately for it. Also, nobody throws tantrums on the sets of a Mani Ratnam film. It is an honour to work with him, so the actors are only too happy to behave themselves and literally give their best shot,” says our source.

He adds, “Moreover, Ash and Manisha were rivals at one time and even had catfights over Rajeev Mulchandani, a common boyfriend between the two. Now, they both have moved on in life and are in no mood to dig up the past. If they ever interact with each other, they will be cordial.”