Here's what Salman Khan had to say on Priyanka Chopra's exit from Bharat

Salman Khan at Loveratri press conference, New Delhi (Pic/Pallav Paliwal)

Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan has finally responded to Priyanka Chopra's sudden exit from the much-anticipated film 'Bharat'. After refusing to comment on the same at the trailer launch of Aayush Sharma-Warina Hussain starrer 'Loveratri' in Mumbai, the 52-year-old spoke in length about it at the promotion of the movie in New Delhi. "I am really happy for her. If we had known earlier that she has signed a big film in Hollywood, we would have never stopped her. My shooting had begun. We got to know about her decision of leaving the film at the last moment - just 10 days before her schedule," said Salman.

He added, "Priyanka had come home and I told her, 'It's okay if you don't want to do it.' At that time, we were given some other reason. Whatever may be the reason - be it marriage or a movie or her not being willing to work in India or with me, it's her reason and we are really supportive about her doing good work. If she does not want to work with Salman Khan, it's okay; she's working with a big hero in Hollywood."

The Sultan star then thanked Katrina Kaif for coming on board at the last moment. He further stated: "So, when Priyanka said it's not working out because of whatever reason she gave us, we wished her good luck. And then, we went for Katrina. She is already doing Zero with Shah Rukh Khan, Thugs of Hindostan with Aamir Khan and another film with Yash Raj Films. With all these films, she said yes to 'Bharat,' because of which we are very grateful to her. She is extremely hard working," he concluded.

On a related note, PeeCee exited Bharat after she reportedly got engaged to rumoured boyfriend, Nick Jonas. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the flick is slated to hit theatres on June 5, next year.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra responds to questions on engagement with American singer Nick Jonas

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Edited by mid-day online desk, with inputs from ANI