Why Sonakshi Sinha turned down her reunion project with former beau, Arjun Kapoor
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; August 10, 2016)

After evincing interest in Anees Bazmee’s Mubaraka starring Anil Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha has decided to let go of the project over the length of her role.

As reported, ‘Making an ex-ception’ (hitlist, August 3), the makers had pencilled in on the actress as they felt she fit the bill. Her casting with Arjun created buzz due to their romantic history — the two started dating while shooting for Tevar (2014), but parted ways soon after the film released.

Says a source, “After a script narration session, Sonakshi expressed interest in the project. However, later, she did a rethink because the role wasn’t as meaty as she would have liked it to be.” Adds the source, “She will next be seen in an action-packed, woman-oriented film, Akira, and so, she is not willing to take a step back and settle for smaller roles. She wants to remould herself and set the bar high by taking up roles that challenge her.”

Anil and Arjun will play their real-life relationship of chacha-bhatija in Mubaraka. Sonakshi remained unavailable for comment.