Despite their characters being poles apart, the two girls are making people’s hearts go dhak-dhak with their distinct qualities

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; July 9, 2012)

 

One is sassy, attention-loving and knows the effect she has on people. The other is simple and reserved, and doesn’t want any undue attention. Hot chica Veronica (played by Deepika Padukone) will hit you like a thunderbolt, while desi beauty Meera (played by Diana Penty) will appeal to the family-oriented person in you. But together, they prove to be a heady mix for their best friend Gautam (played by Saif Ali Khan).

But, the ideal girl, says Cocktail producer Dinesh Vijan, would be a bit of both. “Because that’s how they complement each other,” he points out, “People might like and identify more with one character. The contrast between Veronica and Meera makes both characters more interesting. And yet the both of them have this very special bond.”

Diana, who plays the shy Meera, says, “Veronica’s an absolute fire starter. She’s the life of every party, very impulsive and cool; there’s never a dull moment when she’s around. She’s fiercely protective of her friends and is always there in times of need. She is the absolute best friend that any girl could ever have…”

Even when it comes to their dressing style, they are very distinct people and their style quotient reflects the kind of people they are. Veronica has a natural flair for fashion and doesn’t follow trends blindly. She also loves to experiment with her hair. She dresses according to her mood and matches her outfits with the right accessories, whether it’s her jewellery, shoes or bag. And not to forget, her attitude. Comfortable with her sexuality, Veronica enjoys all the male attention that she gets.

Meera, who comes from a middle-class Delhi family, dresses up in kurtis and Patiala salwars for that stitched-by-her-tailor look. However, when she goes to London, she wants to fit in and changes her style. While she is not attempting to make any specific statements and attract undue attention, she ends up creating a casual yet distinctive look by layering shirts, paper-thin cardis with vests, and wears them well with wide-legged jeans or chinos, in a simple yet creative way, with narrow belts and flat sandals. Effortless chic defines this girl.

PICK YOUR CONCOCTION
When asked about concoctions they’d come up with if Veronica and Meera were names of cocktails, producer Dinesh Vijan and director Homi Adajania gave us these fun recipes:

Homi’s recipe for mixing a Meera:
¼ oz desiness
½ oz innocence
A shot of happiness
A twist of fate
1 teaspoon sugar… Actually cancel the sugar, she’s sweet enough!

Dinesh’s recipe for mixing a Veronica:
½ oz don’t-give-a-damn attitude
½ oz spontaneity
1 shot of madness
A dash of desire
Shake it up like there’s no tomorrow, flame the top and knock it down while it’s smokin’ hot!

Illuminati Films and Eros International’s Cocktail releases on July 13