Salman Khan: Priyanka Chopra called Ali Abbas Zafar and said she wanted to do Bharat, so we considered her

It came as a surprise to Bollywood fans when it was announced that Priyanka Chopra would be leaving Ali Abbas Zafar's Bharat, owing to her engagement with Nick Jonas. She was expected to start shooting for the film, which also starred Salman Khan. It was meant to be her Bollywood comeback, after a hiatus of two years.

Yesterday at the Bigg Boss 12 grand launch, it was surely one of the inevitable questions that were to pop up. In an interaction with Mid-Day, Salman, talking about her exit, said, “It was sweet of her to tell us five days before the shoot that she couldn't do Bharat.” The superstar added, “I'm glad Katrina is part of the film. She was Atul's [Agnihotri, producer] first choice. But Priyanka called Ali [Abbas Zafar, director] and said she wanted to do Bharat, so we considered her."

Well, that’s some revelation! 

There were reports of PeeCee choosing Cowboy Ninja Viking opposite Chris Pratt over the Khan starrer.  On this, Khan said, "I hope the other movie that she has signed, works out. Now that she is engaged, we are happy for her. I hope she gets married soon, has children and lives happily ever after."

Katrina Kaif has replaced Priyanka in the film. Bharat also stars Disha Patani and Tabu, and will release in Eid 2019.