When asked why he didn't repeat Kareena Kapoor, who featured in his 2007 blockbuster 'Jab We Met', the director said his choice of actors depended upon suitability of characters in his script.

'Deepika was the only choice for the role of Meera in the film because she suits the character very much. There was no one else in my mind for that role.

'I'm quite happy with my decision because Deepika has done a brilliant job. She has got something of her own in the role,' said Ali who debuted as a feature film director with 2005 light-romantic movie 'Socha Na Tha', starring Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia.

He has scored a hat trick of romantic films with 'Love Aaj Kal'.

Any plans to make a film in any other genre?

'I do things that excite me. My three films have been love stories because the subjects excited me. But I don't think I will stick only to this genre. My interests are much larger and I think that will make me branch out into something else very soon,' he said.

As far as his future projects are concerned, Ali is not very sure what he will take up after the release of 'Love Aaj Kal'.

'I haven''t decided on my next film as of now. I have two-three stories in mind. Let's see which is the strongest contender,' he said.

(Ruchika Kher can be contacted at ruchika.k@ians.in)