Ever since newbie Pallavi Sharda was cast opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Besharam, rumours have been rife about Pallavi landing the role due to her alleged closeness with the movie’s director Abhinav Kashyap. Pallavi was even quoted saying that she considers Abhinav her mentor and not Karan Johar whose My Name is Khan was her debut movie. Abhinav, on his part however had a hearty laugh when we asked him about his alleged closeness with Pallavi. The jovial director wished in good humour that Pallavi should be his girlfriend. “Media says she is my girlfriend. How I wish this could be real. Can’t you see me blushing,” joked Abhinav. On a more serious note, Abhinav said he was really surprised to see his name doing the rounds with Pallavi. “I am very amused. I am a happily married man with two daughters. Pallavi is my daughter’s friend. She came through a series of auditions and was finally approved by myself, Ranbir and Viacom,” clarified Abhinav and also added that many other big actresses were also auditioned for Besharam. Abhinav also hoped that all the talks of the so-called affair would die down and said that he is not the one to mix pleasure with work. Besharam which releases on 2 October will see Ranbir pairing up with his parents for the first time.