There’s no tiff between Emraan Hashmi and me: Milan Luthria

Ever since filmmaker Milan Luthria has signed actor Akshay Kumar for the sequel to his last year’s hit Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai, for the role that was played by actor Emraan Hashmi in the original one, B-Town’s been abuzz about a cold war going on between Hashmi and Luthria.

Buzz has it that Hashmi is upset and feeling rather disappointed by the director not casting him in the sequel, despite the fact that his performance was appreciated by one and all.

According to sources, Luthria obviously could not have cast Ajay (Devgn) as he was killed in the film, but everyone expected him to make the sequel with Hashmi as the film was to revolve around his journey from where it was left the last time around. “Everyone, including Hashmi were shocked when Luthria announced Kumar’s name instead,” the source said.

Luthria, however, offers an explanation. “Yes it’s true that we cast Akshay for the same role that Emraan had played, but the fact is that we are showing a man several years later. It required an actor with more maturity, to look convincing on screen. We only did what we thought would be the best for the film.”

He adds, “There’s absolutely no problem between us. Emraan is a very good actor, and even he understands the dynamics of filmmaking.” As for their working equation, Milan reveals that nothing has changed between them.

“In fact, Emraan is acting in Dirrty Picture and he is doing a special role in it.” Refusing to divulge more, he adds, “It’s something that Emraan has never done before. He’ll be the surprise package of the film.”