She in fact had disassociated herself from the Bhatt camp after the success of Murder because of their stingy attitude. Whatever films (Tumsa Nahi Dekha, Gangster) she turned them down and demanded a fat pay packet.
But things were meant to get better when Mallika had agreed on principle in a Pooja Bhatt production few months back. This film, titled, Cabaret, was to be the directorial debut of Bhatt's in house writer, Shagufta Rafique.
Our source tells us, "The actress turned filmmaker wanted to start the film in early 2009, so just recently Pooja went to Mallika too work out the further details.
But Pooja was in for a rude shock when Mallika quoted her a very high price, in fact more than what they had earlier agreed upon.
Known for her bluntness, Pooja gave back a mouthful to Mallika stating how she didn't deserve even half of what she was quoting after two back to back solo flops.
She left telling her that she will rather make the film with a rank newcomer. Pooja has now begun auditioning new girls for the same role."