 Shah Rukh Khan was the first actor to be approached with the script and was the first lead actor to be signed for the film . Rohit Shetty stated that despite the title , Khan would not play a South Indian in the film . The casting of the lead heroine was the subject of much press speculation ; Kareena Kapoor , Asin Thottumkal and Deepika Padukone were rumoured to be involved . Shetty denied those rumours , stating that the cast would be finalised in April 2012 , and that he was going to cast an established actress in the role . In October 2012 , it was confirmed that Deepika Padukone had been signed to play the female lead opposite Khan , and photographs showing Padukone and Khan shooting were released . This was Padukone 's second film opposite Khan , with whom she made her Bollywood debut in the 2007 blockbuster Om Shanti Om . Starting with this film , which was released on Women 's Day , Khan wished to have the name of his female co @-@ star appear above his own in the credits . 
