The on-screen chemistry between Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in both their movies ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’ and ‘Raajneeti’ turned out to be very successful and was loved by their fans.

Many directors including director Anurag Basu wanted to repeat this Jodi in their movies. In fact director Anurag Basu approached Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor for his movie ‘Barfi’.

“I wanted to cast them (Ranbir and Katrina). They look nice together. I was glad when Katrina said ‘yes’ as she was my first choice for the role. I had approached her for the character that Ileana finally ended up doing,” he said to a daily.

While Ranbir Kapoor ended up doing the movie Katrina Kaif walked out of it due to date issues.

“Things didn’t fall into place with Katrina because 'Rockstar' (2011) got delayed, which ultimately was affecting Barfi’s schedule. Therefore, we had to reschedule everybody’s dates, which took time. Things clicked with Ileana and I’m glad she came on board,” Anurag Basu said.

Later the production house and director approached Tollywood actress Ileana for the role of a girl who falls in love with deaf and dumb Ranbir Kapoor. Now the production house UTV Motion Pictures is so impressed with the actress that they have signed her for three more films.

The movie ‘Barfi’ stars Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana in lead roles.

The movie is all set to release on September 22.