August 4, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who has recently walked out of the movie Dhamaal 2, has lost a solo heroine role in Rascals, which is the first film of Sanjay Dutt Productions (SDP). David Dhawan is directing Rascals. Sanjay Dutt also stars Dhamaal 2 along with few other actors.

Initially, the actress agreed to be a part of Dhamaal 2 but asked for a whooping amount of Rs 1.5 crore as fee. The producers refused to pay such a huge amount and she walked out of the movie. She was then replaced by Mallika Sherawat.

It is reported that when Vidya came to know about Rascals, the actress expressed her desire to be a part of it to the director David Dhawan. But, her refusal to Dhamaal 2 cost her movie as Sanjay was not very happy with her. He did not wish to take her in this film. Earlier Dutt and Vidya have worked together in Lage Raho Munnabhai and also in her debut movie Parineeta.

The lead female role in Rascals required a youthful charming woman so everyone in the unit wanted a fresh face. Sanjay Dutt, Dharam Oberoi, who is the business manager and CEO of SDP, and director David Dhawan shortlisted Anushka Sharma, Lara Dutta, and Kangna Ranaut for the role. However, Kangana Ranaut got lucky finally to bag the role.

David Dhawan said, “Vidya Balan was not suitable for this role even though she is a fine actress. This is the only reason we did not sign her for Rascals. I am sure Vidya does not mind as she is a good friend, we will work on another film together”.

–Sampurn Wire