'Son of Sardaar 2': Vijay Raaz removed due to 'misconduct'
What's the story
Actor Vijay Raaz has reportedly been dropped from the upcoming movie Son of Sardaar 2, starring Ajay Devgn.
The film's co-producer, Kumar Mangat Pathak, confirmed the news to Pinkvilla and cited Raaz's "behavior on the sets" as the reason behind his removal.
However, Raaz has denied these allegations and claimed that he was ousted because he did not greet Devgn on the sets.
Details
Raaz demanded bigger rooms, vanity van, says co-producer
Pathak told Pinkvilla, "He demanded bigger rooms, vanity van and also overcharged us for the spot boys. In fact, his spot boy was paid ₹20,000 per night which is more than any big actor."
"While we tried to accommodate all his demands, the behaviour kept getting worse, as his demands never ended. He started to demand two cars for a 3 person staff to travel for as well."
"After all the discussions, we decided to remove him from the film."
Quote
'Raaz was rude with the executive producer'
Pathak said, "When we tried explaining the costing scenario to him, he refused to understand, and spoke rudely."
He added, "When the EP (executive producer) said no, he was rude with the EP. His constant response was, 'Aap Logo Ne Mujhe Approach Kiya, Main Kaunsa Saamne Se Aya Kaam Mangne'.
Raaz's version
'I was removed 30 minutes after reaching the sets'
Meanwhile, Raaz told the publication, "I stepped out of the van, and spotted Ajay Devgn standing around 25 metres away. I didn't go to greet him as he was busy. 25 minutes later, Mr. Kumar Mangat came to me and said, 'Aap Film Se Nikal Jaaye, Hum Aapko Nikal Rahe Hai."
"The only misconduct from my end is, I didn't greet Mr. Ajay Devgn. These are powerful people, and the chatter of misconduct doesn't arise at all."
Co-producer's response
'We suffered a loss of at least ₹2 crore'
Pathak, however, refuted Raaz's claims, "Ajay Devgn is not someone who is waiting to be greeted by people. He always likes to be surrounded by creative people and treats everyone with respect."
He added, "We suffered a loss of at least ₹2 crore for removing Vijay Raaz from the film and we would not take such a step for small matters."
"He constantly told all our EP's and even me that he isn't in need of doing SOS 2."
Raaz's response
'I was asked to stay in a small room'
When asked about his demands for an expensive, bigger room, Raaz said, "I was asked to stay in a small room, with no space to move around. I am a person who does yoga in the morning, and I needed some space in the room. 26 years in the industry, can't I make this demand?"
Raaz has now been replaced by Sanjay Mishra.
Sexual assault claims
Meanwhile, Raaz's spot boy allegedly assaulted hotel staff
Additionally, Raaz's spot boy has been accused of assaulting a hotel staff in an inebriated condition.
To which, Raaz said, "Don't try to mix the two [situations]. I have nothing to do with it. I am no longer working with the spot boy."
Meanwhile, the co-producer said, "His staff is his responsibility. Imagine working with such a demon. As I said, we are happy to disassociate with Vijay Raaz and we don't wish to work with such a person".