Actor and model Rajniesh Duggall has alleged that actress Priyanka Chopra declined to share the screen with him in the 2005 film Yakeen
Duggall, set to make his big-screen debut with the movie, claimed he was dropped from the project because Chopra refused to star alongside a newcomer, as reported by an Indian media outlet.
In a recent interview, Duggall revealed that he had been signed for Yakeen opposite Priyanka Chopra and had commenced work on the film.
“I was the first choice for Yakeen, I was signed for the film. In fact, I was working on it. When I met director Girish Dhamija, he asked me, ‘When can you move to Mumbai?’ I was already planning to move to Mumbai,” Rajniesh Duggall recalled.
After signing a three-film deal with the producers, Duggall received perks such as a personal cook, a Juhu penthouse, and a chauffeur-driven car.
“I had a double role in the film with Priyanka as the lead. I left brand endorsements of Siyaram, Vimal, and other companies to concentrate on the film,” he added.
However, Duggall was informed by producer Sujit Kumar Singh one night that he had been replaced by Arjun Rampal.
Singh cited Chopra’s newfound stardom and her refusal to work with a newcomer as reasons for the change.
Although Duggall suggested replacing Chopra, his suggestions were not considered.
“They said Priyanka wanted that, but I feel it could have been the managers or the people around her. I don’t blame her, but she was aware that I was doing the film. She could have said, ‘No, he will do it’,” he added.
