bollywood

Updated: May 21, 2019 19:17 IST

Salman Khan has thanked Priyanka Chopra for vacating her role in the upcoming film Bharat, because had she not departed the project at the last minute, he wouldn’t have got the opportunity to work with Katrina Kaif again. “I will always be thankful to her,” Salman said, according to a new report.

The actor, who reunites with Katrina and director Ali Abbas Zafar in Bharat, told Mumbai Mirror, “Thank you, Priyanka! I will always be thankful to her. Bharat was about to go on the floors and just five days before the shooting, Priyanka meets me and says that she wouldn’t be able to work in the film. Now, if Priyanka hadn’t left Bharat, how could we have brought Katrina on board?”

Priyanka dropped out of the project just days before she was supposed to begin filming her part. Bharat was intended to be her grand re-entry into Bollywood, after the actor had spent several years working in Hollywood. Ali had announced her departure through a cryptic tweet, but it was later revealed that the actor had left to plan her wedding with singer Nick Jonas.

Indian Bollywood actor Salman Khan (L) and actor Katrina Kaif (R) interact with each other during the launch of their upcoming film Bharat in Mumbai. ( AFP )

Salman said that he had offered to work around Priyanka’s schedule, but she had declined. He wondered if she had another reason for not wanting to do the film. He said, “She came to meet me one day and said she is going to get married and hence won’t be able to work in the film. I had told Priyanka that we will adjust the dates for her. She said that she isn’t sure how much time she needs for the preparation of her wedding.”

Producer Atul Agnihotri had said previously that he had always intended for Katrina to star in the film, and that Priyanka was Ali’s choice. Atul said that he got the news of Priyanka’s departure on set, and that she ‘still hasn’t texted’ him.

Also read: Salman Khan on how Katrina Kaif got just two months to prep for Bharat: ‘If only Priyanka Chopra gave us more time’

Salman told Mumbai Mirror that even he hasn’t heard from her since, even though he attended Priyanka and Nick’s Mumbai wedding reception. “No, even after the release of the trailer, Priyanka didn’t call me,” Salman said. “Now, if she had some genuine problem then it’s alright. I believe, whatever happens, happens for the good.”

Salman signed off in true Salman Khan fashion. He said, “While many would give anything for the film or maybe even leaving their husband, Priyanka left the film.” He said that given the right role, he’d love to work with her again.

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