The vivid streets of the United Kingdom are abuzz with excitement as the production of ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ is in full swing. However, amidst the cinematic fervor, a dramatic controversy has thrown the crew into turmoil. The recent firing of actor Vijay Raaz from the film has now culminated in Sanjay Mishra stepping into his shoes, reigniting debates and discussions across Bollywood circles.
The Story Unfolds: Vijay Raaz’s Firing
Vijay Raaz, an acting prodigy known for his distinctive roles, found himself ousted from the much-anticipated sequel. Rumblings began when Raaz claimed his dismissal was rooted in a seemingly trivial issue – not greeting the film’s lead star, Ajay Devgn, on the first day of filming. According to Raaz, this singular act, or lack thereof, was the catalyst for his removal.
In stark contrast, producer Kumar Mangat painted a more complex picture. Mangat cited Raaz’s allegedly disrespectful conduct towards the crew as the chief reason behind the decision. Speaking to Pinkvilla, he outlined a series of incidents that highlighted the growing tensions.
“He demanded bigger rooms, a vanity van, and even overcharged for his spot boys. His spot boy was paid Rs 20,000 per night, a sum surpassing the fees for even the most eminent actors. The United Kingdom is an expensive place, and to keep costs manageable, everyone was lodged in standard rooms. Yet, Raaz insisted on premium suites. When we tried to rationalize the budget constraints to him, he became increasingly obstinate and rude,” shared Mangat.
The producer further elaborated on the escalating demands from Raaz, “His perpetual response was, ‘You approached me, I didn’t come seeking work.’ His behavior only worsened, culminating in demands for two cars for a three-person staff.”
Vijay Raaz Speaks Out
In a candid conversation, Vijay Raaz provided a vastly different account of events. Reflecting on the incident, he said, “I reached the location ahead of time and encountered actors Ravi Kishan, Executive Producer Ashish, producer Kumar Mangat, and filmmaker Vijay Arora. I stepped out of the van and noticed Ajay Devgn standing about 25 meters away. He seemed preoccupied, so I didn’t interrupt to greet him.
“Within 25 minutes, Mr. Mangat approached me and bluntly stated, ‘You can leave the film, we are removing you.’ The only alleged misconduct on my part was not greeting Mr.
. Ajay Devgn. I hadn’t even met the crew yet, with the aforementioned people being the only ones I interacted with. Just 30 minutes into my arrival on set, I was dismissed because I didn’t greet Ajay Devgn. These are influential individuals, and the insinuations of misconduct are completely baseless,” Raaz asserted.
Stepping Into the Spotlight: Sanjay Mishra
As the controversy rages, Sanjay Mishra has quietly taken up the mantle, replacing Vijay Raaz in ‘Son of Sardaar 2.’ Breaking his silence on the matter, Mishra delved into his profound bond with Ajay Devgn, shedding light on how it shaped his decision.
“I share a deep emotional bond with Ajay sir. When my brother passed away, Ajay was there to offer unwavering support. We’ve always stood by each other through life’s varied challenges. For us, working together transcends mere professional engagement — it’s a testament to our friendship. Just a call from him is enough for me to be there, and he reciprocates in the same manner. That’s the extent of our camaraderie,” Mishra reflected.
A Close Bond Rooted in History
Mishra’s relationship with Ajay Devgn is not just rooted in the present but spans years of shared experiences, both personal and professional. This deep-seated bond enhances the collaborative energy they bring to any project, a factor that likely influenced Mishra’s swift inclusion in ‘Son of Sardaar 2.’
Ajay Devgn’s Perspective
Though Ajay Devgn has remained relatively silent amid the whirlwind of controversy, those close to the star believe that his decisions are anchored in ensuring a harmonious and efficient working environment on set. Both Devgn and the production team have prioritized maintaining the film’s progression without further interruptions.
The Future of ‘Son of Sardaar 2’
Despite the internal upheavals, the ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ team remains committed to delivering a stellar sequel. The inclusion of seasoned actors like Sanjay Mishra promises to bring nuanced performances, generating fresh anticipation among fans.
As the production continues in the picturesque locales of the UK, Bollywood enthusiasts around the globe keenly follow the developments. Whether the ripples of this controversy will impact the movie’s box office success remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the saga of ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ serves as a vivid reminder of the unpredictable dynamics within the film industry. For more details on the controversy, stay tuned as this unfolding drama promises to offer more twists and turns in the days ahead.
