09 August,2018 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Diana Penty and Abhay Deol in Happy Bhag Jayegi
Sufficient discussion followed news of Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016) leading lady Diana Penty settling for a supporting act in the sequel, only to make way for Sonakshi Sinha. So much so, that few, in turn, discussed the absence of Abhay Deol, who breathed life into the character of Bilal in the original. As former cast members Jimmy Sheirgill, Ali Fazal, Piyush Mishra and Penty mark their return in the second edition - Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, director Mudassar Aziz says Deol's character was best represented in conversations only.
"Is Bilal missing from the sequel? No," says Aziz, referring to the role played by Deol. "Geographically, my characters are in such a place where Bilal cannot be. However, he is spoken about throughout the film. He is one of the root causes of conflict in this offering," promises the director.
Mudassar Aziz
Asserting that the team did debate upon including Deol in this instalment too, Aziz says they realised it would be better to leave his character out, this time. "Rai sahab [Aanand L Rai, producer] and I concluded that it would be better if Bilal was represented only in conversations between the rest of the characters. He is omnipresent, yet physically absent." Their decision, however, will not lead to bad blood between him and the actor. "Abhay is a darling. I don't need to 'work it out' with him. Also, who says he isn't there in part three?"
ALSO READ
Explained: What the Rs 1000 crore deal means for KJo and Adar Poonawalla
Top 5 beauty secrets of Malaika Arora every 30-something woman should know!
War 2: Jr NTR to shoot an epic 40-man showdown for Ayan Mukerji’s action film
Arshad Warsi jokes about backlash over Prabhas comment
Kader Khan birth anniversary 2024: 10 must-watch films of the actor and writer
Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha sings Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu's reprised version for Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi
Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates