Director Mahesh Manjrekar has been making more news for his link-ups rather than his films.

According to the recent gossip the director has been playing a doting godfather to newcomer MTV VJ Anusha. He even cast Anusha in AB Corp's film Virudh instead of the foreign actress originally planned.

"I am not having an affair with Anusha." says Manjrekar and also denies stories that he took Anusha in Virudh because he is having an affair with her.

The first time I met her was when I narrated the script to her three months ago. I had thought of either her or model Piya Trivedi for the role but Piya didn't want to act," he says.

Why did he cast a newcomer? "I could have cast Julia Roberts but that would have cost a bomb. Anusha suited the character with her light eyes, personality and attitude. I have never seen a better actress than Anusha till date," he insists.

On his strained marriage, Mahesh says, "My marriage is over though we are still living together under the same roof. The differences are irreconcilable and personal. We have just grown apart but I have tremendous regard for my wife. She's a wonderful woman."