In an unforeseen development, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has been replaced in the upcoming action-comedy film ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ after his visa application to the United Kingdom was rejected. The sequel to the 2012 hit, starring Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur, is currently being filmed in Scotland under the direction of Vijay Kumar Arora.
The revelation broke in July when mid-day disclosed that Sanjay Dutt was slated to play the main antagonist in this highly anticipated sequel. However, sources have recently confirmed that the actor’s visa application was turned down due to his criminal record, leading the production team to substitute him with Ravi Kishan.
Sanjay Dutt’s run-ins with the law are well-known. In April 1993, he was arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and the Arms Act for possession of illegal weapons connected to the 1993 Bombay bombings. Following his arrest, he was sentenced to five years in prison. This sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court of India in March 2013, and after several periods of bail, he ultimately completed his imprisonment in 2016.
According to a credible source, Sanjay Dutt has faced similar issues with visa applications in the past. “Ever since his arrest in 1993, while Sanju has managed to travel to the United States, his applications for a UK visa have been repeatedly rejected. The shoot for ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ would have marked his first visit to the UK,” revealed the insider. “Unfortunately, after Ajay Devgn’s team discovered that his visa application was denied, they quickly replaced him with Ravi Kishan.”
Ravi Kishan, who has recently garnered acclaim for his role in ‘Laapataa Ladies’, joined the project in Scotland on July 25. The filming continued without any major interruptions, thanks to the swift replacement.
This visa debacle has also cast a shadow over Sanjay Dutt’s participation in another high-profile project, ‘Housefull 5’. The ensemble comedy led by Akshay Kumar is scheduled to commence filming in London in September. One might wonder whether producer Sajid Nadiadwala will also need to find a replacement for Dutt.
. However, it appears that Nadiadwala has opted for a more prudent solution. “Sajid has chosen a wiser route,” says the source. “While the primary shooting with the cast will begin in London, all of Sanju’s scenes will be filmed in Mumbai to circumvent any visa issues. So, as of now, there are no complications for ‘Housefull 5.’”
Despite repeated efforts, mid-day was unable to get a statement from Sanjay Dutt regarding this latest setback.
Ajay Devgn’s team has been tight-lipped about the development, maintaining focus on the ongoing production in Scotland. Fans of the original ‘Son of Sardaar’ are undoubtedly keen to see how Kishan steps into the role initially reserved for Dutt.
Dutt’s inability to secure a UK visa underscores broader challenges faced by celebrities with criminal records seeking international travel. Despite his successful career post-incarceration, the repercussions of his past continue to impede aspects of his professional commitments.
As the narrative unfolds, the industry will be closely watching how both ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ and ‘Housefull 5’ adapt to these changes. Ravi Kishan’s inclusion brings a new dynamic to ‘Son of Sardaar 2’, potentially offering a fresh take on the antagonist role.
The film industry is no stranger to last-minute casting changes, and while they often pose challenges, they can also lead to unexpected creative outcomes. The replacement of Sanjay Dutt with Ravi Kishan is not only a testament to the resilience of film productions but also highlights the importance of flexibility and contingency planning in large-scale projects. As ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ continues to shoot in Scotland, fans eagerly await its release, hoping that the narrative will retain its charm and zest despite the unforeseen casting change.
With Sanjay Dutt’s scenes for ‘Housefull 5’ being shot locally in Mumbai, the actor remains an integral part of the project. While his legal history may pose logistical challenges, it is clear that efforts are being made to accommodate his talent within the constraints of international laws. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between celebrity, the law, and international regulations, offering a unique glimpse into the complexities faced by stars with controversial pasts.
