Arshad Warsi extols Vidya Balan's bold act in "Ishqiya" and admits that he missed her presence in the sequel, but adds that "Dedh Ishqiya" demanded a different cast.

Bollywood's dancing diva Madhuri Dixit has replaced Vidya in the second part, which also stars Naseeruddin Shah, who was in the original, as well as Huma Qureshi.

Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the hinterland drama is coming out Jan 10.

"Yes, I did miss her (Vidya) in the sequel. She had done a great job in 'Ishqiya', but the sequel demanded for a different star cast," Arshad told IANS.

"And I must say I had a great fun shooting with Madhuri and Huma in the film. But yes I did miss Vidya," he added.

"Ishqiya" was an unconventional film, which presented Vidya as a small town-based scheming seductress Krishna, who has Khalujan (Naseer) and Babban (Arshad) wrapped around her finger. Despite being unconventional and being told in a rural setup, the film scored high at the box office and even wowed the critics.


However, Arshad who had locked lips Vidya in part one praises Huma too.

He said: "When I was shooting with Huma, I realised her screen presence is wonderful. She looks gorgeous on screen...I don't mean to say that she doesn't look nice off-screen, but she looks damn beautiful on screen."