Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has cited professional reasons for declining Mubaraka, amid speculation the decision was based on her apparent sour relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor.
Kapoor and his uncle, actor Anil Kapoor, are on board for the movie, which will be directed by Anees Bazmee.
Sinha and Kapoor reportedly began dating each other in 2014 while shooting for Tevar but parted ways last year after the film released.
There have been reports that the 29-year-old actress decided to not do the film due to her equation with Arjun Kapoor, while there have also been some rumours that she was unhappy with her role.
“I don’t think it’s right to speak about the film that I was offered and I am not doing. It was a matter between me and the producer. It was a professional decision to not to do the film and nothing else,” she said.
“People have a habit of cooking up stuff [stories]. But I don’t think I need to clarify things to anyone.”
Names of actresses like Parineeti Chopra, Diana Penty and Athiya Shetty (Arjun’s current rumoured girlfriend) have cropped up for the film but the makers are to yet to decide on the leading lady.
Mubaraka is the first project Anil, 59, and Arjun, 31, will work on together. They will play uncle and nephew in the film.
The film is produced by producers Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde of Shaukeen fame. The movie was earlier supposed to be directed by Milap Zaveri. Things didn’t work out, however, and Bazmee was roped in.