If there was one thing that we found amiss at the grand launch of Aankhen 2, it was the way Ileana D’Cruz’s name went unannounced at the event. For starters, every actor from the ensemble cast was introduced by the emcee which was followed by the said actor making a dashing entry. Everyone including Amitabh Bachchan Arshad Warsi, producer Gaurang Doshi and director Anees Bazmee were introduced in a similar song and dance pattern surrounded by beautiful models.
The two actors who couldn’t make it to the launch owing to not being in town namely Anil Kapoor and Arjun Rampal were also formally introduced by the hostess. While Arjun did send across a videotaped message talking about being in Aankhen 2, there was no video or audio communication from Anil Kapoor’s end. Next in line to be introduced was Regina Cassandra as the leading lady of the film who shook a leg on stage.
Post the introduction of the cast and crew, a mashup promo containing old film shots of all the above introduced actors was played. The surprise element for us was when shots of Ileana appeared. Surprise because the actress was not formally introduced and no one had announced her name as the other leading lady in the film. Another puzzling factor was to see Regina’s pictures going missing from the promo.
During the press conference when we asked if Ileana was indeed a part of the film, Amitabh said, ” Jitne logon ko aapne parde par dekha woh sab hai iss film main. (Everyone you have seen on the screen today are part of this film).”
On a lighter note, Bachchan quizzed, “Aapko kya laga aise hi dikha diya? (You thought we have shown these people just like that?).
When we informed Bachchan that there was a wee bit of confusion owing to Regina’s absence from the promos and Ileana’s unannounced presence, the megastar said, ” No. There is no confusion at all.”
But as it now emerges there certainly seems to be some confusion. Ileana through her tweet has made it clear that she has not signed the film.
Producer Gaurang Doshi however clarifies, “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.”
Now wonder if Big B was kept in dark about the real developments in this matter. Also wonder why Ileana’s name was not formally announced at the launch. That couldn’t have been genuine miss. Another question is why would someone include an actress in the promo shots of a film unless she has signed the relevant agreement to do the film.
Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-confirms-ileana-dcruz-in-aankhen-2-actress-says-she-has-not-signed-the-film-2986704/
