Babbar's performance was tagged as special appearance, despite the three actors of DMD sharing similar amount of screen time

We were confused too. Why was Prateik Babbar, who had a sizeable role in Dum Maro Dum (DMD), given a special appearance tag in the credits? Turns out, that's what Babbar wanted.

Said a source, "Prateik's career managers insisted that he be given a special appearance billing. He started with a cameo in Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na but played the lead in Dhobi Ghat.

Thereafter, they're making sure that Prateik only signs lead roles -- Sanjay Leela Bhansali's My Friend Pinto, and Gautham Menon's upcoming film are examples. Since DMD was a prior commitment, Prateik couldn't back out, hence the 'special appearance' billing."

Sippy doesn't deny the fact that there was pressure to provide a 'special' status to Babbar. "It wasn't Prateik who asked for the special appearance tag. It was Prateik's aunt."

Sippy added that he had no problem accommodating the request. "I'm happy to have worked with Prateik. My father had worked with his mother. I see the same imploring, expressive eyes. You feel like protecting that boy. What does he know or care about credit protocol?"