The actress finds herself missing from the film. Is clueless why

Mahi Gill finds herself completely knocked off Knock Out. And the makers did not even have the courtesy to inform her about it.

The actress had done an item number in the Sanjay Dutt-Irrfan-Kangna Ranaut starrer that releases today. The track has gone missing.

Says Mahi, "I had no clue I had disappeared from Knock Out! It is only when I started getting calls over the last few days that I became aware of it. Those who had a preview noticed that I was not in the movie."

She had shot for the number Gangubai Pe Ayee Jawani Jab Se, Sare Launde Hairaan Pareshan Tab Se choreographed by Ganesh Acharya.

However to give the actress her due (for making her vanish?) the movie's end credits declares 'Thanks to Mahi Gill".

"When I heard this all that I could do was laugh. What else can I do?" asks the Dev D star. "I am currently in Chandigarh so have no clue what is happening in Mumbai."

Informs a unit source, "She had shot for an item number in the film. Sanjay Dutt was keen to have one in the movie. But at the editing stage, the producers wanted to keep the thriller taut.

It was decided to let go of the track which was found to be unnecessary and marring the flow of the story."

Knock Out director Mani Shankar however explains, "Mahi's song was never to be part of the film. It was shot purely for promotional aspects. But even in the promos it was not utilised.

There are certain things beyond my purview. Even I was surprised to see 'Thank You Mahi' in the end credits." The end credits also attributes a song to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

"All this was for a CD of the movie which also never got released," adds Shankar. "These decisions are not taken by me."

The film is produced by Sohail Maklai and Aap Entertainment.

Pehle bhi cut

Mahi Gill's role in Salman Khan starrer Dabangg was also severely chopped. "I was informed about it after the editing so I was prepared for it. It did not come as a surprise to me. It was a guest appearance anyway," she says.