Anil Kapoor opted out of Thank You for Sonam

Actor Anil Kapoor, who was the first preference for Anees Bazmee's upcoming film Thank You, opted out of the film because of daughter Sonam Kapoor. It was then when Irrfan Khan stepped in for the role which was originally written for Anil.

Reportedly, Anil was not comfortable playing a Casanova in a film featuring Sonam Kapoor in it. Bazmee confirmed the news to TOI, “Yes, we did replace Anil with Irrfan. But what to do? Casting circumstances changed in 'Thank You'. And it was no longer decorous to cast Anil Kapoor."

The film apart from Sonam and Irrfan stars, Bobby Deol, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Celina Jaitley and Raima Sen. Initaially, Katrina Kaif was supposed to play the leading lady opposite Anil Kapoor in the film, however as soon as Sonam stepped in Anil opted out of the film.

"Earlier it was Katrina Kaif who was doing the heroine's part in 'Thank You'. That's when Anil Kapoor was cast. When Sonam came into the picture, we quickly changed Anil to Irrfan. It would've looked very odd for Anil to play the roving-eyed Casanova in a film featuring his daughter," added Anees.

Bazmee however, is confident that Anil has no hard feeling for him after the event. He says, “There should be no hard feelings over that. Anil and I go back a long way. I've worked with him in 'No Entry', 'Welcome' and 'No Problem'. Now I've also worked with his daughter. I've been closely associated with Anil's brother Boney also. I don't think Anil has reason to be unhappy with me."