Arshad Warsi on replacing Akshay Kumar in ‘Aankhen 2’
The announcement for the sequel for ‘Aankhen’ surprised many when Akshay Kumar was omitted from the cast.
The original, which released in 2002 starred Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Arjun Rampal. While, Bachchan and Rampal will reprise their roles, Arshad Warsi’s addition as Kumar’s replacement took many by surprise. Anil Kapoor is also the other new name to be added to the cast.
Incidentally, Warsi was replaced by Kumar in ‘Jolly LLB 2’, so it seems somewhat of a swap for the two actors. Talking about this, Warsi was cited in The Indian Express saying, ���I was supposed to do Jolly LLB 2, but Fox Star Studios needed a bigger star, so they chose Akshay. It makes it easier for marketing, it makes it easier to have a hit. With me, you (the filmmakers) have to make a good film, so that is the problem. You can make money with me only if it�۪s a very good film.�
Warsi added, ���It�۪s a coincidence. It happens at times. Abhi isme koi kuch nahi hai. Hota hai aisa. Kabhi koi yeh role kar leta hai. So it�۪s fine.�
He also expressed his excitement working with Bachchan, “From my childhood, I have loved him. He is my hero and always will be. I respect all other actors but when you love somebody he is everything. And my luck was such that my debut film was produced by him. We did one film and it was unfortunate what happened with the film and this is the second time I am getting an opportunity to work with him. It�۪s been approximately 20 years in this industry. I am so happy to be here and I don�۪t think any actor is complete if he hasn�۪t shared the screen with Mr. Bachchan.
At 74, it is tough but i am happy to be in the company of youinghsters and feel this generation of talent youth that we have is qn amazing group of younsters had the greatoprigvilege of working learn so much from the surprise amaze how wonderful they are able to perform inspired by them when i see their films average age on my sets is 25. Revealing for me as an artist to see them as actors.�
