In an unexpected twist on the sets of ‘Son of Sardaar 2,’ a major casting reshuffle has grabbed headlines. Veteran actor Vijay Raaz has been replaced by Sanjay Mishra in the film, which is currently in production in the UK. The sudden substitution has left fans and industry insiders speculating about the motivations behind this dramatic change.
The Controversy Unveiled
The controversy began to unfold when reports surfaced that Vijay Raaz was removed from the film, allegedly because he failed to greet lead actor Ajay Devgn on the first day of the shoot. However, producer Kumar Mangat provided a different reason for Raaz’s dismissal. Citing rude behavior towards the crew, Mangat expressed his dissatisfaction in an interview with Pinkvilla.
“He demanded bigger rooms, a vanity van, and even overcharged us for his spot boys. His spot boy was being paid Rs 20,000 per night, which surpasses the fee of any prominent actor. The UK is an expensive place to shoot, and everyone was given standard rooms, but he insisted on premium suites. When we tried explaining the budget constraints, he refused to understand and responded rudely. His constant retort was, ‘You were the ones who approached me; I didn’t come to you asking for work,’” narrated Mangat. “His behavior only deteriorated from there. He even demanded two cars for a three-person staff.”
Sanjay Mishra Speaks Out
Sanjay Mishra, the talented actor who will now be stepping into Raaz’s shoes, broke his silence on the matter. Mishra’s statement was emotionally charged as he spoke about his close relationship with Ajay Devgn.
“I share a deep emotional bond with Ajay sir. When my brother passed away, Ajay was there to support me. We’ve been there for each other through thick and thin. Whenever he calls me for a film project, it’s not just any other project but more than that — it’s a testament to our friendship. Just a call from him is all it takes for me to be there, and he’s always there for me in the same way. That’s all I can say for now,” said Mishra.
Vijay Raaz’s Side of the Story
Contrary to Mangat’s allegations, Vijay Raaz has a different version of events.
. Raaz claims his removal was purely because he did not greet Ajay Devgn on their first meeting on set.
Raaz recounted, “I reached the location early where actors Ravi Kishan, Executive Producer Ashish, producer Kumar Mangat, and filmmaker Vijay Arora came to meet me. I stepped out of the van and spotted Ajay Devgn, who was about 25 meters away. Because he looked busy, I didn’t greet him. Twenty-five minutes later, Mr. Mangat came to me and said, ‘You can leave the film; we are removing you.’”
Further elaborating, he said, “The only misconduct on my part was not greeting Mr. Ajay Devgn. I didn’t even get a chance to meet the rest of the crew; they were the only ones I interacted with. I was removed from the film 30 minutes after reaching the set because I didn’t greet Ajay Devgn. These are powerful people, and the talk of misconduct is baseless.”
Industry Reactions and Future Prospects
The casting upheaval has not only sparked conversations among fans but also on social media platforms. While some people support the production team’s decision, others criticize it, viewing the dismissal as unjust. The incident has also ignited debates about power dynamics and professionalism in the film industry.
Ajay Devgn, a significant figure in Bollywood, has not yet commented publicly on the issue. Given the statements from both Raaz and the producer, fans are left to form their conclusions. Meanwhile, the film’s production continues in the UK, with the team determined to meet its scheduled timelines despite the controversy.
Looking ahead, Sanjay Mishra’s involvement is expected to bring a unique flair to ‘Son of Sardaar 2.’ Known for his versatile acting skills, Mishra has always been a favorite among cinephiles. Industry insiders are keen to see how this change impacts the film’s dynamics and audience reception.
For more information and updates on this ongoing story, keep following our coverage.
