Priyanka Chopra was initially the female lead for Bharat but she backed out just five days before the filming was set to begin. The reason being her plans to get married to Nick Jonas. About a fortnight later Nick and Priyanka had a “roka ceremony” at her house followed by their marriage after three months.
Though she was replaced by Katrina Kaif, reports suggest that there was another reason for Priyanka’s exit. It felt strange that someone would do this at the last minute. And that too coming from Priyanka who is known for her emancipated thought process.
Priyanka was termed to be “extraordinary professional” when she did not cancel the shoot and was back on set a few days after her father’s death. So to believe that she is opting out of a film at the ninth hour and that too for engagement seemed a bit out of place.
Priyanka had demanded 12-14 crore for Bharat and it was reported that she was to be paid 6.5 crore. She discussed this matter with a close friend within the Khan family but was informed that the remuneration was decided after checking the viability factor. According to them it was not prudent to pay Priyanka in double-digit keeping her last release Jai Gangajal in mind. It was only after this discussion that Priyanka opted out of Bharat.
Salman was miffed and frustrated as Priyanka informed him and the production team at the very last minute. Also, Priyanka never explained her exit after stepping away from the project. Despite the public drama Salman did not hold any grudges and even attended their wedding.
Salman also said that if she has signed a big film we ourselves would have released her. “Whatever it is Hollywood, marriage or the fact that she does not want to work with me, it’s her reason. If she doesn't want to work here, there in Hollywood she is making our country proud”.
During the promotions, Salman humoursly taunted, ‘people leave husbands for a film like this, Priyanka left the film for marriage’. He also joked that Priyanka should help promote the film since she liked the script. Priyanka’s reaction was, “if a reaction was required, the media would have already seen it”.
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