Preity Zinta denies similarities with Richa Chadha's character in 'Inside Edge'

The characters in the web series, Inside Edge, were reported to be based on Lalit Modi and Preity Zinta, essayed by Vivek Oberoi (founder of IPL) and Richa Chadha (an actress who owns a cricketer team) respectively, and the show is inspired by the IPL scam. An insider says, “It is elementary. Preity’s IPL team faced challenges, and in the series, Richa’s team is shown suffering from financial losses.”

Apparently, when Preityheard about the series, she asked her friends — producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani — to show her what they’d done. Preity, however, denies this. “No, I just heard about the show from the media. Ritesh told me last year that it was inspired by and based on South Indian characters. Then I saw the director’s interview and he clearly said that it had nothing to do with me. The show is getting publicity in my name.”

Actor Tanuj Virmani, who’s said to be playing a  character based on cricketer Virat Kohli, also denies any similarity with real life. “A lot of people ask me if it’s Virat or Yuvraj. My physical appearance may suggest a likeness to a cricketer, but that’s it.”

Sayani Gupta, last seen in Jolly LLB 2, says, “My character is not based on anyone. She is the team analyst. It’s a very sharp character. She’s one of the key decision makers, and in a man’s game, a woman who probably understands the game better than a lot of men.”

Film critic and director of the series, Karan Anshuman, also denies any similarity with real life. “There’s no connection whatsoever (of Lalit Modi) with Vivek’s character. As for Richa, the comparisons started with the actress/owner connection. It’s entirely fictional.” Sarah Jane Dias, also a part of the cast, adds, “I play a  fictional character — Meera Nagpal.” However, it is clear that the similarities to the IPL controversies and glamorous players will explode into a volatile scenario once the series releases on  July 10.