Suneel Darshan on not replacing Priyanka Chopra in Barsaat after Akshay Kumar's exit amid personal turbulence: 'Shaadishuda aadmiyon ko zyada responsible hona chahiye'
Suneel Darshan
, who is known for directing hit collaborations with
Akshay Kumar
in the early 2000s, has addressed the actor's sudden exit from his 2005 film Barsaat. While promoting Andaaz 2, Darshan recalled the behind-the-scenes turbulence and explained why he chose to retain
Priyanka Chopra
as the lead, even as
Akshay
backed out.
'There was a lot of turbulence in his personal life'
Responding to whether Akshay was initially cast in Barsaat before being replaced by
Bobby Deol
, Suneel Darshan confirmed, 'Ab toh gaana YouTube pe hai. Maine Akshay aur
Priyanka
ka shoot... woh film shoot hui thi, I know. Haan, woh shoot hui thi film. Aur ek point aisa aaya ki uski personal life mein kaafi turbulence aa gayi thi.'
Darshan said Akshay himself approached him with the request to exit the film.
He told Bollywood Bubble, 'Usne mujhe poocha ki, 'Bhai, agar yeh mere bina ho sake, personal issues ki wajah se...' Toh main toh yeh maanta hoon ki actors ko bohot responsible hona chahiye, aur shaadishuda aadmiyon ko toh aur bhi zyada responsible hona chahiye.'
Reflecting on how these personal choices affect a film's fate, he added, 'Lekin kya hota hai, galti karna insaan ki fitrat hoti hai — aur producer ko maar khana uski taqdeer mein hota hai.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
13 Celebrities Who Struggle With Mental Illness
LoveMyFamilyMag.com
Undo
'I didn't want Priyanka to bear the burden'
Despite the rumoured fallout between Akshay and Priyanka Chopra, Darshan chose not to replace the actress in the film.
'Yeh mera faisla tha, kyunki main chahta tha ki Priyanka Chopra ko us haadse ki responsibility ka onus na doon,' he said.
'Aur main sochta tha, bhai, jiska mere se gehra sambandh tha — jitna bhi tha — woh toh Akshay hi kehta tha ki 'main tujhe apna kya samajhta hoon'...
Woh toh us waqt shayad kisi tape mein mil bhi jaaye.'
'Maine socha ki yeh hi better hai ki Priyanka ko continue karein, aur jisne mujhe option diya hai, usse replace karein.'
Priyanka Chopra's Cryptic Post for Rekha Stuns Fans: 'Better Be A B*tch Than A Bichari'
A professional split sparked by personal rumours?
Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra had once been one of Bollywood's most bankable onscreen pairs, delivering hits like Andaaz, Aitraaz, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. However, rumours of a romantic relationship between the two began circulating around the time of Barsaat, reportedly causing strain in Akshay's marriage with
Twinkle Khanna
.
As per reports, Twinkle even considered divorce, prompting the actor to distance himself from Priyanka professionally. Their on-screen collaborations abruptly ceased following the incident.
Over the years, Priyanka Chopra has largely remained silent on the matter. However, she has subtly acknowledged making the choice to step away to avoid causing tension in anyone's personal life.
Most recently, in July 2025, while promoting her Hollywood film Heads of State, the actress briefly addressed her past professional dynamics, praising both Akshay Kumar and Tom Cruise for their action abilities, marking a rare mention of her former co-star.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'It's never the fairy tale': Gisele Bündchen slams Tom Brady for being an absent father, claims she raised the kids alone
Gisele Bündchen offered a glimpse into her marriage with Tom Brady in 2022, revealing the challenges of balancing family life (Getty Images) Even in the world of supermodels and football legends, fairy tales aren't always what they seem. Back in 2022, Gisele Bündchen gave fans an unfiltered look into her marriage with NFL star Tom Brady, revealing how challenging it was to raise a family while her husband stayed laser-focused on football. Gisele Bündchen called it a partnership — but not always an equal one In a candid interview with British Vogue for its June 2022 issue, Gisele admitted, 'His focus is on his career, mine is mostly on the kids. It's never the fairy tale people want to believe it is. It takes work to be really in sync with someone, especially after you have kids.' That comment sent waves through fans who had long idolized the seemingly perfect couple. Despite the challenges, Gisele emphasized the strength of their partnership. 'I'm very grateful that he lets me take the reins when it comes to our family,' she said. 'He trusts my decisions.' The couple, who tied the knot in 2009, have two children together — Benjamin and Vivian — and Gisele helped raise Brady's son Jack, from his previous relationship with Bridget Moynahan. Tom Brady acknowledged the sacrifices Gisele Bündchen made for their family Brady, known for his unparalleled dedication to the game, didn't shy away from crediting Gisele for holding down the fort. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World During an episode of his Let's Go! podcast, he said, 'She hasn't worked much in the last ten, twelve years while raising our family and committing to a life in Boston and then moving to Florida. That's an issue.' The sentiment was mutual. When Brady briefly retired in early 2022, Gisele wrote on Instagram, 'What a ride @tombrady! So many memories! When I met you over 15 years ago, I didn't know the first thing about football… There is nothing you can't achieve. I have always been here for you.' Also Read: 'Gisele is a bit hot-headed': Insiders blow the lid off Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen's toxic marriage This throwback moment continues to remind fans that even power couples face real-life struggles — and sometimes, love requires more than just adoration; it demands balance. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Unhi logon ne ‘kachra' bola tha': Suneel Darshan reveals Akshay Kumar was once ridiculed by top filmmakers after 14 flops
Suneel Darshan and Akshay Kumar collaborated on seven films, including Jaanwar, Ek Rishtaa, Andaaz, Talaash, and Dosti: Friends Forever. While they delivered multiple hits together, their last project was in 2005, after which the actor-filmmaker duo never worked together again. Now, as Darshan promotes his upcoming film Andaaz 2, he got candid about the "vulnerable" Akshay he first cast, and the humiliations the actor endured after a string of flops. Darshan remembered the time he signed Akshay for Jaanwar, saying the actor was at his lowest, coming off 13–14 back-to-back flops. 'He had stopped getting movies. Even the good ones weren't coming to him, and the bad ones were drying up too,' the director recalled in an interview with Bollywood Bubble. 'People tend to push you down even harder when you're already failing.' Interestingly, Jaanwar was originally written for Sunny Deol , who dropped out. Darshan then considered Ajay Devgn , but when Akshay reached out, destiny took over. 'He was this gorgeous, humble Punjabi boy. He had the discipline, the looks, but one big problem—he was not saleable,' Darshan admitted. 'Making a big-budget film with someone the trade didn't trust was a huge risk.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Now The Latest Article Undo The risk, however, paid off. Jaanwar became a turning point in Akshay's career. 'Hera Pheri 3' CONFIRMED! Akshay Kumar Says 'We Are Back Together' But before that success came what the director calls an 'ugly phase' in the industry. 'There were times when people would misbehave—even on the streets. When actors fall, it can be traumatic. People who once praised you start laughing at you,' Darshan said. 'Not saying Akshay had his nose in the air, but fame does that to many.' Darshan also opened up about Akshay's difficult equation with the industry during those years. 'He told me once, 'I won't name them, but some of the biggest filmmakers used to ridicule me. They'd call me kachra behind my back,'' Darshan revealed, adding that Akshay didn't want to take names out of concern for the director's future. The filmmaker says he stood by Akshay when most others didn't—and eventually watched him rise again. 'It gave me a lot of joy when Akshay went on to work with all those same people… but on his terms. That felt like my victory too.' On a more emotional note, Darshan recalled the bond they shared. 'For seven years, this was his second home. He operated from my office when he wasn't shooting. That kind of connection doesn't happen often,' he said. 'Dosti, our last film together, reflected that very bond.'
Pink Villa
an hour ago
- Pink Villa
4 Hindi films releasing in theatres this week: Heer Express to Andaaz 2
A new week has begun, and as we approach Friday, the excitement and confusion among movie lovers are on the rise. This week, four Bollywood films are hitting the theaters, and if your weekend plan is to watch a film with your family, then keep scrolling to look at the list that will help you pick one out of them. 1. Heer Express Heer Express is set to release on August 8, 2025, across India. The director is Umesh Shukla, who has also created films like OMG and 102 Not Out. It is a family entertainer suitable for all age groups, debuting Divita Juneja as Heer Walia. The story revolves around her, who plays a young chef striving to fulfil her mother's dream by moving abroad. Pritt Kamani plays her love interest. The film also stars Ashutosh Rana, Gulshan Grover, Sanjay Mishra and Meghna Malik. 2. Andaaz 2 Andaaz 2 is a sequel to the 2003 hit film starring Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta. This film features an entirely new cast, with debutant Aayush Kumar, Akaisha and Natasha Fernandez. The film centers around a struggling musician whose journey becomes complicated by a love triangle. 3. Udaipur Files Starring Vijay Raaz, the film was originally titled Gyanvapi Files: A Tailor's Murder Story. It was earlier supposed to be released on July 11, but after the Delhi High Court's stay order, the film was not released. This was due to the concerns over communal harmony and the ongoing trial associated with the case. The film dramatises the real-life June 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur. 4. Zora Zora is directed by Rajiv Rai, who is known for directing thriller films like Gupt, Mohra, Tridev and Vishwatma. It stars Ravinder Kuharas, Karanveer Khullar, Sofia Parveen and Nikhil Dewan. This film also marks the comeback of Rajiv Rai in Bollywood. ALSO READ: Disha Patani gives a bold twist to Jiya Jale with her sensuous moves – Netizens say 'You set me on fire'
