Urmila, Esha opt out of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala

Even before director Apurva Lakhia’s dream project could go on the floors, two of its leading ladies have opted out of it. Both Urmila Matondkar and Esha Deol have cited date problems as the reason for their abandoning Shootout at Lokhandwala.

When contacted Lakhia says, ‘It is true that Urmila and Esha are not doing the film anymore. Our film is a multistarrer and co-ordinating stars’ dates was a big problem. For us, Sanjay Dutt’s dates are most important as he plays the lead and therefore we have to adjust others’ dates around those of his.’

The rumour doing the rounds is that Urmila and Esha were both dissatisfied with the length of their respective roles and that is what prompted them to leave the film. Lakhia explains his stand. ‘Everybody in the film have roles where they are required for 3-5 days. Roles were narrated accordingly to all the actors, right at the beginning.’

Urmila, on her part, says, ‘Yes, I was pretty excited about doing the film, but I could not do it finally. I keep doing shows and because of that, I have a paucity of dates. However, I wish the cast and crew all the best for the film.’