The reason being given out is that she is too young to play Sarabjit's sister.
A prominent director gives a completely different picture of Sonakshi's change of heart regarding the Sarabjit project. `It's surprising because not only Sonakshi but the entire family was very excited about Sonakshi's role as Sarabjit Singh's sister. They said Sonakshi wept when she heard the script.The entire story of Sarabjit's predicament unfolds through the sister's character.`
Subhash Ghai chooses to give his mooh-boli bhanji a clean chit.
Says Ghai, `Sonakshi sent us a message that it was too early in her career for her to play the elderly part of Sarabjit's sister .She is right.It is a part of a mature woman and my director Ishwar Singh Muchchal is very particular about the correct actors and casting.`
Ghai says this abrupt departure doesn't diminish his love for the Sinha parivar. `Shatru is my close family friend for 35 years.Sonakshi is like my daughter.She is a good actor and a nice girl.She has every right to give a second thought to a project to safeguard her career interests.I wish all the best.`
Then Ghai adds, `Sonakshi heard the script and loved it. She only gave her vocal consent and did not sign the contract.We wanted to sign her only after Amitji agreed to play the role of a lawyer. This did not happen because Amitji is doing a lawyer's role in another film.`