Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor‘s movie Namaste England is about to release in theatres near you super soon and going by the trailer of this film looks like one great funjabi ride! As you may have guessed from the name, the film is a sequel of 2007 cult classic Namastey London starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. Recently in an interview with PTI, director of the film Vipul Shah revealed that he had originally approached the leading pair of Namastey London itself for the sequel. But, he couldn’t cast them because of Akshay’s prior commitments and Katrina thought she did not fit the role well.

He revealed,

Katrina could not have been an Indian desi girl. We both did speak about it. And she said this role is something that people may not accept her in. I was going to do the film with Akshay but his dates were blocked for two years so he recommended I go to another actor.

Vipul also disclosed that while Parineeti was already a part of the film when he was going to do it with Akshay, he was sure of Arjun right after their first meeting.

I met Arjun and I told him I was going to do this with Akshay but he doesn’t have dates. He heard the script and agreed to do it and that’s how he came into the picture. I wanted someone desi who can also look modern and who has got a certain honesty in his face.

He further added,

He was the most suited boy for the part. Parineeti was already part of it when I was going to do it with Akshay.

While the director is aware that there will be comparisons made to the first part, he hopes that the audience accepts this movie with an open mind.

While we would’ve loved to see Akshay and Katrina’s on-screen pairing again, we love Arjun and Pari!