'Vidya liked the role, price wasn't right'

For the last six-eight months, Indra Kumar has been focused only on the Dhamaal sequel. "It's been double the pressure but also double the pleasure.

I know expectations from part 2 are huge but I'm confident of fulfilling them. People want a 'dhamaal' film that can make them laugh through two hours and 15 minutes. Well, they are going to get it," promises the director.

Double Dhamaal is gearing up for a June 24 opening and Indra Kumar is eagerly looking forward to Mallika Sherawat returning home to Mumbai to spearhead the promotional campaign. "The boys including Arshad (Warsi) and Riteish (Deshmukh) have gone on shows and done their bit before leaving for their other shoots. Now, Mallika will take over. We're planning to get her to make some 'jalebis' since she is item girl 'Jalebi bai...' now."

While they were picturising the song, Indra Kumar admits that they would distribute 'jalebis' on the set. "Maybe after the press show we will serve some to the critics too," he laughs, adding that he'd have liked to spread sweetness around the country but that seems an impossible dream even with a 'dhamaal' team.

While the two 'jalebis', Mallika and Kangna Ranaut sizzle on screen, speculation is rife about one-upmanship on the sets. The director insists that if there was competition, it was healthy. "This was surprising, considering it's usually cat fights when there are two glamorous girls around. But in this case, God has been kind," he quips.

Vidya Balan, who was approached for the film earlier, had turned down the "insubstantial" offer. Does this mean that Mallika who replaced her is just a decorative prop? "Not at all," asserts Indra Kumar. "Vidya liked the role and had agreed to do the film. The deal fell through on monetary grounds. The price wasn't right. But whatever happens, happens for the best," he says philosophically.

Would Double Dhamaal have happened even without Sanjay Dutt? "No, Sanjay Dutt is the key factor. Just as it's impossible to imagine Golmaal without Ajay, it's hard to think of Dhamaal without Sanjay," he admits. Since Golmaal 4 is on the way, has Dhamaal 3 also taken shape? Says the director, "I have a couple of ideas. I'm waiting for this result to be out but I hope we can take the franchise ahead."