Sonakshi Sinha breaks silence on sequel snub.

June 28, 2025 kasheef

Mumbai: Sonakshi Sinha has finally responded to the buzz surrounding her absence from the upcoming sequel to Son of Sardaar. The actress, who starred alongside Ajay Devgn in the 2012 hit, has not been cast in Son of Sardaar 2, and fans were curious about her reaction.

In a calm and composed manner, the Akira actress addressed the issue, saying, “These decisions are part and parcel of the film industry. Casting depends on the story, the director’s vision, and many factors that are often beyond the actor’s control. It’s nothing personal, and there’s really no reason to dwell on it.”

Sonakshi, known for her dignified approach to her career, emphasized that she’s grateful for the opportunities she’s had and is looking forward to exploring new roles and projects. “I had a great time working on Son of Sardaar and I cherish those memories. But it’s also important to move on and keep growing as an actor,” she added.

Her mature response has been appreciated by fans, who praised her professionalism and positivity. As she continues to build her career, Sonakshi remains focused on delivering impactful performances across genres.

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has finally opened up about not being part of the much-anticipated sequel Son of Sardaar 2, nearly 12 years after the original film hit theatres. The actress, who starred opposite Ajay Devgn in the 2012 comedy-action entertainer, shared her thoughts in a recent interview, offering a mature and pragmatic perspective on the casting changes in the sequel.

Speaking to IANS, the Akira actress addressed the buzz surrounding her absence from the upcoming sequel. Sinha remarked that such casting decisions are commonplace in the film industry and not something to take personally. “These decisions are a normal part of the industry. Films evolve, stories change, and sometimes characters do too. It’s nothing to dwell on,” she stated, reflecting the professionalism she is known for.

She added that she completely respects the filmmakers’ creative choices. The characters would not be the same. And that’s completely fair,” she said. “I think as a professional, having worked in the industry for so many years, I’ve grown to understand the dynamics of filmmaking. It’s a small thing, not a big deal. It doesn’t affect me at all.”

Sinha’s response comes amid rising fan curiosity, especially after Ajay Devgn announced the release of the sequel, officially titled The Return of the Sardaar. Her absence from the cast list raised questions online, with many speculating whether her exclusion was due to a fallout or creative differences. However, her calm and dignified response has put such rumours to rest, with fans appreciating her mature take.

The romantic action-comedy was a remake of S. S. Rajamouli’s Telugu film Maryada Ramanna and became a hit upon release, especially among audiences looking for family-friendly entertainment with a dose of Punjabi flavour.

In the first film, Sonakshi played the female lead, Sukhmeet, and was widely praised for her comic timing and charm. Naturally, many fans hoped she would return for the sequel. However, as is often the case in Bollywood, the narrative of the sequel appears to be taking a new path.

The upcoming installment, directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, features Ajay Devgn reprising his role as the lead, with Mrunal Thakur joining the cast as the new female lead. The sequel is being produced by Jio Studios, Devgn Films, and T-Series — three major players in the Hindi film industry — and is expected to bring a fresh flavour while retaining the essence of the original.

Also making a return in the sequel is veteran actor Sanjay Dutt, who played a pivotal role in the original as the fearsome antagonist. Dutt’s role as Billu Paji, a fierce yet humorous character, was a highlight of the film. In The Return of the Sardaar, he will reportedly reprise this character, much to the delight of fans.

Another notable casting update involves Sanjay Mishra, who is stepping into a key supporting role. Originally, the makers had planned to bring in Vijay Raaz for a role similar to Ravi Kishan’s character in the original. However, Mishra’s inclusion brings a different comic energy to the film, with insiders saying his track will add a fresh dose of humour and relatability.

The announcement of Son of Sardaar 2 came on June 19, when Ajay Devgn took to Instagram to reveal the film’s first poster. #SardaarIsBack #SonOfSardaar2.” He also tagged the new team including Mrunal Thakur, Jio Studios, Devgn Films, and T-Series, giving fans their first glimpse into the much-awaited sequel.

Adding to the excitement is the film’s scheduled box-office clash with Param Sundari, another high-profile release starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. Set for the same release date, July 25, the clash is expected to be one of the most talked-about face-offs in recent months. Both films belong to different genres, with Param Sundari leaning towards a musical romantic drama, while The Return of the Sardaar promises action, comedy, and Punjabi masala.

After recently tying the knot with longtime partner Zaheer Iqbal, the actress is reportedly looking at a slate of women-centric films and digital projects. Her fans continue to root for her growth and admire her composed and grounded response to what could have been a controversial casting snub.

In an industry often fuelled by speculation and drama, Sonakshi’s attitude serves as a reminder that artistic choices, even when they seem personal, are often made with the story’s best interest in mind. Her response not only showcases her emotional maturity but also reflects a broader change in how actors are approaching the business — with clarity, professionalism, and grace.

As The Return of the Sardaar gears up for release, fans will surely miss Sonakshi’s lively presence in the sequel. But with a fresh cast and promising production team, the film is poised to recreate the magic in a new avatar. Whether it surpasses the charm of the original remains to be seen when it hits cinemas this July.