Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra Feud: Director Reveals Why Actors Never Worked Together After 'Waqt'

Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are two of the biggest names in Bollywood currently. The actors were once a beloved on-screen pair, and fans loved their chemistry. They also sparked real-life romance rumours, even though Akshay was already married to Twinkle Khanna. Akshay and Priyanka worked together in hit films such as Andaaz, Mujse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, and Waqt: The Race Against Time. After that, they were set to rock the big screen once again in Barsaat. However, the collaboration didn't work out, as Akshay walked out mid-project due to an alleged feud between the two stars. Recently, the film's director, Suneel Darshan, revealed unknown details regarding Akshay and Priyanka's fallout.

Why did director, Suneel Darshan drop Akshay Kumar from Barsaat?

Filmmaker, Suneel Darshan confirmed he replaced Akshay Kumar in the 2005 film, Barsaat with Bobby Deol due to a fallout between Akshay and Priyanka Chopra. Suneel alleged that it was a "mistake" on Akshay's part and that he didn't want Priyanka to "suffer" for it. The director recalled being called on set by Akshay, in a rare occurrence, when the actor informed Suneel that he would not be able to work with Priyanka. Although it was a financial loss for the director, he had to make his pick because the two actors could not continue working together. It made Waqt: The Race Against Time the last joint project of Akshay and Priyanka. Suneel Darshan stated:

"A lot of things then transpired behind the scenes, unfortunate things, and at one point I realised that I wouldn't be able to do this movie with the both of them; I had to choose. He added that his decision was based on principle. Waqt waqt ki baat hoti hai... Whatever happened back then, my argument was simple, if you have made a mistake, then why should the female star suffer for it? I said, 'I'll go with Priyanka, and it was very heartbreaking for me.'"

Suneel Darshan was unhappy with Akshay Kumar's willingness to leave Barsaat midway after his initial enthusiasm for the project. Suneel mentioned that Akshay insisted that he cast no other actor but him in the movie, and notably, he had even shot many scenes with Priyanka before deciding to break the pairing. The director shared that Priyanka and Akshay had filmed a song, and that, with so much footage wasted, Suneel was left "heartbroken." At that time, a friend suggested Bobby Deol's name to him, who was not that renowned back then; however, the film turned out quite successful, and Suneel was grateful to Bobby for saving the day.

What was the reason behind Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra Jonas' alleged feud?

Suneel Darshan was definitely disappointed in Akshay Kumar for letting him down and opting out of the project; however, the former was also understanding towards Akshay's personal issues that led him to make that decision. According to him, the actor had a grave family issue to deal with, which made it difficult for him to continue with the project. According to Suneel, the domestic issue had to be extremely serious for Akshay to ditch the director who had stood by him for years. Stating that "personal dilemmas have to be sorted out before professional loyalties are considered," Suneel mentioned:

"Akshay had to sort out his [family] problems. It was a grave domestic issue for Akshay. Otherwise, he have never walked out of the film. He couldn't have let me down after the way I've stood by him over the years. The provocation had to be very serious."

Priyanka Chopra Jonas didn't want to star in another film opposite Akshay Kumar before Barsaat

Suneel Darshan, director of Barsaat, shared that Priyanka Chopra Jonas didn't want to be part of another film starring Akshay Kumar before Barsaat. Priyanka wanted to reject Aitraaz right after reading the script, not because of her co-star, Akshay, but because her role was that of a vamp. At that time, the filmmaker called Priyanka to his office and explained how the role would benefit her career. He thought Priyanka's role was the most crucial part of Aitraaz, and, due to his insistence, PeCee finally signed the movie. Suneel's exact words were:

"They [Priyanka and Akshay] were doing well and they were quite comfortable with each other. They did films like Aitraaz together, which actually Priyanka didn't want to do. She came to me and said that she has been given the role of the vamp. I checked out the script and realised that she has the most important role in the film. I called her back to my office and told her to immediately sign the film."

What are your thoughts on Suneel Darshan's revelation about Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra Jonas' alleged rift? Let us know.

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