Kangana Ranaut was the first choice for Mahesh Bhatt and not Esha Deol for the yet to be directed Jannat, by first-timer Kunal Deshmukh.

When Vishesh Films first tried to rope in Kangana Ranaut who worked with them in Woh Lamhe they were in for a disappointment with Ranaut not being able to give them dates. That's when the banner decided to cast Esha.

Mukesh had considered Kangana for Pooja Bhatt's Dhoka too but Kangana refused Pooja's film tells a source.

Mukesh being magnanimous considered her again for Jannat with Kunal Deshmukh and even called her up but Kangana flatly denied."

Esha on the other hand has loved the script and her costume trials are already done.

Esha will be playing a middle-class working girl who rises with Emraan in a rags-to-riches story. Her look for the film will also take a transformation from a middle class girl attire to that of a super glam girl. Esha and Emraan will make one fabulous combination.

Jannat is a love story set against the backdrop of corruption that rampant in cricket today.

The film goes on floors on July 20.