It is learnt that during the filming of Ram Leela, Sanjay Leela Bhansali would often confuse Deepika Padukone with Aishwarya Rai and call Deepy, Ash. This mistake has happened on more than one occasion.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aishwarya Rai’s relationship dates back to the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam days. They share a very warm and special relationship. Together, they have worked in three.

“It is an open fact that Bhansali is very close to Aishwarya Rai… It’s quite natural that he would miss her. But it became evident more so when during the shooting, he would often end up calling Deepika, Ash! There have been so many occasions that after a shot Bhansali would say ‘Nice shot Ash’ or ‘Ash, let’s do the next scene like this’ while talking to Deepika,” a source is quoted as saying.

So what was Deepika Padukone’s reaction on being called ‘Ash’? Reportedly, Deepy did not feel a bit offended, in fact she was cool about the whole ‘Ash ‘issue. Deepika is glad to be working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Also, her look takes a lot from Aishwarya’s character and get-up from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Just to recollect, Deepika was asked to imitate some of Ash’s moves from the song Dholi Taro.