Ileana had agreed to be part of 'Aankhen 2': Gaurang Doshi

Image courtesy: PTI

Mumbai: Producer Gaurang Doshi says actress Ileana D'Cruz had in principle agreed to do 'Aankhen 2'. The clarification from Gaurang on Ileana's casting comes after her manager said that she is not doing the film.

There were reports that the 'Rustom' actress was offered the film but she turned it down and the announcement of her being part of the sequel to the hit 2002 heist thriller, was made without her knowledge or permission.

"We had meeting with Ileana D'Cruz along with her manager and besides me, director Anees Bazmee was also present. We had this meeting two days before the launch event. She had said she liked the idea of the film and her role. And within a week she would sign an agreement," Gaurang told PTI.

The producer also said that the casting announcement for the film was not done for the sake of publicity.

"I don't need publicity. My film doesn't require her (Ileana) to get funds...She will not get me funds. Also why would I put her in promo. If I wanted to put promo of a heroine I would have put Katrina Kaif or any other big heroine," he added.

At the same time Gaurang isn't disheartened with the way things have been blown out in media by Ileana's team.

"That time when we met at a five star hotel in Bandra everything was fine. We had negotiated price and all. Today she says doesn't want to do "Aankhen 2". Its her wish. Its fine now. All the best. I don't want to put allegations. I just want this matter to end," he said.

Gaurang states he had not received any calls or messages from Ileana stating her disinterest in doing 'Aankhen 2'.

It was on August 17 when the makers of 'Aankhen 2' had in a grand way announced the star cast of the sequel including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal who were part of the first film. Joining them would be Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and south actress Regina Cassandra.

Two more actors will be part of the project but their names have been kept under wraps.