Takes up for brother Abhinav on ouster from Dabangg 2. Arbaaz doesn't take kindly to the dig made at his brother and hits back

This was one short-lived tirade. Here's how it went down. Anurag Kashyap took a snarky swipe via his Facebook and Twitter account at the Khans -- Salman and Arbaaz -- for replacing his brother Abhinav as the director of the Dabangg sequel.

Arbaaz reacted to the Dev D director's comments when we ask him for his comments. Meanwhile, Anurag simmered down and took on Arbaaz's comments. Abhinav followed it up by putting things into perspective, telling his side of the story. Last we checked, Anurag had deleted the comment and apologised to all concerned on FB and Twitter.

Isne Kaha, Usne Kaha

Anurag (via FB & Twitter): Salman Khan thinks he made my brother's life, hope he does the same for Arbaaz when he does Dabangg 2.

Arbaaz: Salman Khan has already made my life with Dabangg and I appreciate it. I don't need Dabangg 2 for that. We gave Abhinav an opportunity. Why wasn't Anurag backing his brother at that time? Where was he when his brother was doing rounds of the industry with his script for two years?"

As soon as I got Salman's dates, I called Abhinav up to start work on it. Out of nowhere, he sends me a text saying he is opting out, without offering a reason. In any case, I am glad it happened now, rather than later."

Anurag: (volte-face, anyone?) I wish them luck. I am thankful they gave my brother the break. I apologise to everyone(for the earlier comment). I was drunk and upset at the time. In reply to Arbaaz, the reason I didn't support Abhinav is because my brother wanted to make it on his own without my help.

Abhinav: (on being told about the back-and-forth) It's unfortunate. This is the first I'm hearing of it (from you). I told my dad that I opted out of Dabangg but not my brother (as he was shooting in Benares). Anurag is emotional and has over reacted.

He didn't know why I am not part of the sequel. When I told him why, he immediately deleted the comment from Facebook and Twitter." I hold no malice towards Arbaaz Khan. I am grateful for a great opportunity. I opted out of the film for personal reasons and it's very gracious of Arbaaz for having understood that. I had a word with Arbaaz, too. It was a misunderstanding that is now sorted out. I hope it is not held against me."

Why Abhinav optedout...

Dabangg director Kashyap cites "date issues" for leaving the moneyed project. He elaborates "I wanted to make a different film after Dabangg instead of straightaway jumping to the sequel. I am still at work on a script.

Earlier, Dabangg 2 had March 2012 earmarked for release, but with Arbaaz getting bulk dates for Salman, the project now goes on floors in December. Had I taken up the film, I'd have to start work on it now and would have to leave my script halfway. And if the sequel did well, I'd be compelled to do a Dabangg 3.

If it didn't, I'd be labeled a one hit wonder. My choice was clear -- do what people expected me to or what I wanted -- which was something different."

About his next, he reveals, "My next is untitled and it's too early to speak about it. Neither is Shah Rukh Khan doing the film nor is Ashtavinayak producing it. It's all hearsay. All SRK did was call me after watching Dabangg and praise my work.'

On an end note, he adds, "Everyone has dreams. I wanted to fulfil mine -- making a different film before moving to Dabangg 2."