Priyanka called Arpita 1000 times for Bharat: Salman

Salman Khan’s 2019 film ‘Bharat’ was a grand emotional ride. With its mix of drama, action, and heart, the film had many talking points, but one that truly grabbed headlines was the casting shuffle involving Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif.

And back then Salman didn’t shy away from spilling the behind-the-scenes drama.‘I want to work with Salman’In a past interview with Bombay Times, Salman had shared that Priyanka was extremely keen to be a part of ‘Bharat’. Not only did she reach out to the director Ali Abbas Zafar, but she also made repeated calls to Salman’s sister, Arpita Khan Sharma.“It must have been very difficult for her to make this decision because she was very keen to work on this project.

She has called up Arpita a thousand times, saying, 'I want to work with Salman'. She has even called up Ali (Abbas Zafar) and told him, 'See if you can get me something in this film',” Salman revealed.Despite all that effort, ‘Desi Girl’ shocked everyone by walking away from the film. Her sudden exit sparked many rumours, but Salman laid it all out clearly in the same chat. According to him, she left because of her engagement and upcoming wedding.

“She was getting engaged and I told her, 'If you are getting engaged, what's the need (of exiting the project)?' Then she said, 'Shaadi karni hai', to which I said, 'Toh shaadi kar lo',” he said.Salman went on to explain that her part only required around 75–80 days of shooting and the team was more than willing to adjust for her big day. “Priyanka's work was for 75-80 days. Shaadi ke liye chaar din ka preparation, aur chaar din ki shaadi, aath din ke andar ho gayi aur phir uske baad honeymoon.

So, we said we will work it out. But she was very clear that she didn't want to be a part of the film.”Was it really just the wedding?Even though the official reason was her wedding, people couldn't help but speculate if there was more to it. Salman himself hinted at other possible reasons. “Not doing this had to be because of the wedding or because she doesn't want to work with me anymore. It could also be because she doesn't want to work in humari industry (Bollywood) or wants to work only in Hollywood.

Whatever she wants to do, I wish her all the best in life.

We are glad that she is engaged and happy,” he said.Katrina Kaif eventually stepped inWith Priyanka out, the makers needed a strong replacement, and in came Katrina Kaif. Interestingly, Salman pointed out that Katrina was actually the first choice of the film’s producer Atul Agnihotri and his wife Alvira Khan. “Atul and baby's (Salman's sister Alvira Khan's) first choice was Katrina. But since Ali and Priyanka have worked together, Ali wanted to work with her, because she told Ali that she wanted to work in the film.” Katrina eventually stepped into the role and was praised for her performance as Kumud.