Shetty, whose "Golmaal Returns" had set the cash registers ringing last year, confirmed that Katrina was the first choice for the film, which is yet to be named.
"Yes, we wanted Katrina Kaif in the project. She would have been a definite value-add. It's a pity though that she can't be doing my film because the dates of my film clash with some other assignments of hers, " Shetty told.
Mugdha, who is paired opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Jail" too, is only too happy to be in the full-on entertainer that is Ajay Devgan's home production.
"I love singing and dancing around trees and have no contempt for hardcore commercial Hindi films. I'm happy to be playing one of the female leads in the film. Moreover, my part requires me to look glamorous as well as add to the plot, " said Mugdha.
Is she aware that Katrina was initially approached for the role that she has been signed on for?
"I have heard about this, but frankly I don't worry about such things. Cliched as it may sound, replacements do happen in the industry. I don't know whether I'm replacing anybody or not. but I'm glad about playing an interesting character, " Mugdha chirped.
So is she excited about working in her first 'masala' film?
"I'm happy to be paired opposite Fardeen Khan and I love that man's style. Moreover, I'm being directed by Rohit who has never put a foot wrong. He is a guy who thinks commercial cinema and knows how to get his audience engaged in theatres. I'm sure I will have a blast working in this film, " the actress said.