Upala KBR (DNA; August 19, 2016)

Aankhen 2 launched with great fanfare at an event in Mumbai on Wednesday evening. Amitabh Bachchan and Arshad Warsi announced they were part of the film being directed by Anees Bazmee. Producer Gaurang Doshi announced that Rustom actress Ileana DCruz, who was absent from the event, was also part of the film. A video featuring the actress was aired at the event.

Truth is, while Ileana was offered the film, she turned it down. So the announcement was made without her knowledge or permission. And the actress is not happy about this. Says an industry insider, “For years now, people have stopped having lavish events to announce films. The only reason to have one is for the producer to rake in money. When a maker announces a film with a big star cast, he can impress investors to part with moolah. It’s just a money game, then whether the film gets made or not, the producer has got his hands on enough money.”

However, no one announces names of actors, who are not part of the film to make it seem like a viable project. Says a source, “Gaurang showed Ileana’s video at the mahurat yesterday and claimed she was doing the film. Bachchan also confirmed it. But the fact is, she is not doing the film and the announcement has made her furious. She came to know about it only after the event when people contacted the actresss to congratulate her. Now she is contemplating initiating action against Gaurang. ”

Ileana’s manager confirms. “Ileana is not doing the film.” Gaurang remained unavailable for comment.