Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Inshallah starring Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles became the talk of the town the minute it was announced in March. And for multiple reasons such as Salman and Bhansali’s reunion after 20 years, Alia’s first film with SLB, and the main reason why the film generated curiosity was the onscreen pairing of Salman and Alia. In case you’re wondering about the age gap, it’s 27 years. So basically, two Alias is equal to one Salman. LOL!
But, we recently learnt that the film has been shelved indefinitely. Yes, you heard that right! A few days back, Salman made an announcement on Twitter. Here’s what he wrote:
To poke some fun and hint about the release of Kick 2, he tweeted again saying:
This tweet of Bhai received some hysterical reactions. Read on!
In an interaction with a leading daily, Salman revealed why he and SLB have decided to shut the project. The Kick actor said, ” Sanjay was a friend even before we started working on Khamoshi. He had come to meet me through Manisha Koirala. After that, we collaborated on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. When he came to me with this film, I liked it and we decided to work together again. One thing I can say is that Sanjay won’t do gaddaari with his film. I want him to make the film he wants to make. Nothing changes between us as friends and I’m sure nothing has changed in Sanjay’s heart for me. I’m extremely close to his mother (Leela) and sister (Bela). I wish him all the best. He and I will still work in future on a film, Inshallah.”
However, a source close to Bhansali revealed the real reason behind the film being shelved, “Salman wanted to change the fabric of the film. While he was happy with the first hour of the story, he had requested Bhansali to rework the rest of the script, especially the climax. Even as the production team set up the first day’s shoot, the two couldn’t agree on the narrative. Bhansali wanted it to be a love story, and Salman could only envision it as a typical Eid potboiler, in which romance is one of the elements. Bhansali respects his actors, and his suggestions are welcome, but not if they aim to alter the narrative. Hence, he took the decision to shelve the film.“
Reports are also abuzz that Salman wanted Rs 100 crore as the fee and wanted to work with Fan actress Waluscha De Sousa and Race 3 co-star Daisy Shah in the film. However, Bhansali denied meeting these demands.
On the other hand, Alia Bhatt was super pumped about working with the superstar. Talking about her reaction, Alia had said, “I literally remember myself jumping. I was not in town, I was out of the country and I was doing something and I got a call and I was like.. literally I ran to the corner and I jumped up and down for 5 minutes because I was so excited.”
Hard luck!
The source further informed that instead of looking for Salman’s replacement right now, Bhansali may probably shift his focus to another romantic project, Izhaar, which he has been discussiin with Shah Rukh Khan for a while now.
Featured Image: Instagram
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