‘I don’t want Mallika Sherawat for Murder 2’

Producer Mukesh Bhatt says the actor isn’t in the race for the film, " Mallika has no career left in Bollywood. Mallika’s attitude won’t allow her long innings in the film industry."

Mallika Sherawat rose to stardom with Mahesh Bhatt’s film, Murder. Until then, she was known for 17 kisses in a forgettable film called Khwaish. "Post Murder, instead of being grateful to the producers and the film team, Sherawat tried to hog all the limelight for the success of the film," says producer Mukesh Bhatt. "When a film does well, it’s the team that does well. How can you negate the music, Emraan’s (Hashmi’s) work and director Anurag Basu’s vision?" he argues.

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Sherawat had also approached the Bhatts to play the character inspired by Parveen Babi in Woh Lamhe, but was rejected because of her behaviour. Apparently, Hashmi doesn’t want to work with her. "Everyone at Vishesh Films has had issues with her. What she did was wrong. Emraan has now forgotten about it, but I don’t want her in my films," says Bhatt.

Ask him what elder brother Mahesh has to say in this matter and he retorts, saying, "As far as Murder 2 is concerned, Sherawat is not in the race. She is still trying to convince Bhattsaab (Mahesh Bhatt). I doubt he will say yes. If he does, I will put my foot down and say ‘no’, because I am putting in the money," laughs Bhatt.

Talking about Sherawat’s attitude and the failure of Hisss, the producer says that he would rather launch a newcomer. He strongly feels that Sherawat has "no career left in Bollywood." "Success belongs to those who are willing to adapt. Mallika’s attitude won’t allow her long innings in the film industry. Producers want to work with people who are more accommodative than being extra smart," he says.

Bhatt, who is a jury member of the Global Indian Music Awards, in association with Hindustan Times, refutes rumours about Mohit Suri being in depression after the failure of Hook Ya Crook. “He is disheartened but resilient. He has jumped into the pre-production of Murder 2 with a vengeance. He is a like a wounded tiger ready to leap,” he concludes.