Abhay doesn’t need to compete: Dibakar Banerjee

In a recent interview, Abhay Deol admitted to being unhappy about stories of his rivalry with Emraan Hashmi, his Shanghai co-star, stating that if they didn’t stop, he would no longer be a part of any marketing or promotional campaign for the film

In a recent interview, Abhay Deol admitted to being unhappy about stories of his rivalry with Emraan Hashmi, his Shanghai co-star, stating that if they didn’t stop, he would no longer be a part of any marketing or promotional campaign for the film. Producer-director Dibakar Banerjee says, “You need to read the article in context.

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Abhay’s not saying he’ll stop promoting Shanghai, he just doesn’t want this phoney rivalry to be the talking point. He doesn’t need to compete with anyone. Jogi and Krishnan are the two pillars of my film. Take one away, and the film will crash. I’ve been speaking to him everyday, will join him on his birthday celebrations on March 15, and Abhay’s bullish about Shanghai.”

Abhay’s supposedly upset about an item number picturised on Emraan. Dibakar insists the track was in the script before they started shooting and Abhay was relieved he didn’t have any songs.

The buzz is that he wants to re-dub his lines. Dibakar admits while watching the movie, Abhay did take notes on where he could improve. “That’s not insecurity, but perfectionism,” he says, pointing out that since Abhay plays a Tamil-Brahmin he couldn’t afford to falter on his accent. “For a year he worked with a language coach, learning Tamil. I had to sit in the van and watch him rehearse with his coach before every shot.”