A few months ago, it was announced that Shruti Haasan will romance Ajay Devgn in Milan Luthria's directorial next, Baadshao.
In a separate announcement, it was revealed that Lisa Haydon, still basking in the after-glow of Queen, had been roped in for the same role.
Shruti, who was under the impression that she'd be the solo lead opposite Ajay, almost fell off the chair when she read about Lisa stepping into her territory. Says a source, "Shruti then confronted Milan about this, who told her that she'd still have a meatier role- but that wasn't convincing enough."
When the two subsequently met, Shruti learnt that Lisa had a stronger role in the film while she may have to rest content opposite Pulki Samrat, who had only a special appearance in the film. "She was aghast as she felt Milan had manipulated her into believing that she'd be the lead. Her argument was that how can Lisa, who is literally just a couple of films old, be promoted and placed in a bigger way."
Tension escalated further when it emerged that Milan was busy giving interviews on how he was "thrilled" to be working with Lisa and that she'd bring in 'sensual energy' to the film. Adds the source, "That was it. She decided this would be the case even during the time of the release and she'd be completely sidelined."
Milan's next step was to get Ajay Devgn to intervene and cajole Shruti about her part, but that didn't work out either. "Shruti had made up her mind by then. There weren't any contractual hindrances either as she was yet to sign on the dotted line."
The duo has now parted ways in a very bitter way. Meanwhile, Milan is in talks with other actresses to scout for a replacement so his film can go on floors as planned.