He showed interest in the film, but when he learnt that the makers wanted Mallika Sherawat to play the role of the lead actress essayed by Vyjayanthimala, he had second thoughts about the project.
It is not clear whether he was opposed to the actress on a personal level, or if he had doubts about her ability to pull off the role, but he made it amply clear that he didn't want to work with the bold actress.
A source reveals, "When the makers first went to him, they hadn't zeroed in on the actress. At the time, Sanju was open to discussing the possibility of being a part of the film.
When they returned to him a few weeks later, and suggested casting the Hissss actress in the film, he decided to back out. He said he had date problems and excused himself from the project."
Dutt and Sherawat are working in Dhamaal 2 together, but they are not paired with each other.
They've shot for one schedule already and it was obvious to everyone present on the sets that there is no love lost between them. They haven't managed to break the ice and keep two-keep distance from each other.
A source from the production adds, "Sanju and Mallika have an cold war going on. It has something to do with the comfort he shares with Kangna Ranaut, who's also acting in the film.
He is very fond of his Knock Out co-star, which has obviously not gone down well with Mallika. Also, he disapproves of her raunchy image.
In fact, he had named her a badly dressed celebrity on Koffee with Karan a few seasons back."
Now that Dutt has turned out the project, the producers are figuring out who to cast in place of him, opposite the Sexy Sherawat.
