The much publicised cameo of Dutt in Emraan Hashmi-Vidya Balan starrer 'Ghanchakkar' had to be removed as the makers were unable to shoot it because the 53-year-old actor had to serve his jail term following his conviction in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.
"He was to play himself in the film. But due to unfortunate circumstances we had to do away with his role. Only he who could do that role. We had no one else in our mind. We will surely miss him," Gupta told in an interview.
Gupta said the character of Emraan Hashmi has been portrayed as a huge fan of Sanjay Dutt in the film. "We have scrapped the cameo part. We did not change or alter anything else as that role was meant only for Sanjay Dutt," he said.
The film's leading lady Vidya Balan, who had worked with Dutt in films like 'Parineeta', 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', 'Eklavya: The Royal Guard', was the one who brought the actor on board. "It was Vidya who had spoken to him (Dutt)...she was instrumental in bringing him on board for this film.
I had spoken to him on phone, I found him a very nice and humble person. He had agreed to do the film," Gupta said. 'Ghanchakkar' will see Vidya playing a loud Punjabi housewife while Emraan will essay the role of an ex-conman. It is slated to release on June 28.
