Arshad gets Rs.3 crore for 'Golmaal 3'

Mumbai, Feb 25 (IANS) Arshad Warsi has finally agreed to do 'Golmaal 3' after the producers agreed to pay him a whopping Rs.3 crore to be part of the film, sources said. The actor, however, did not confirm his consent for the film.

The deal was finally cut Monday, after frantic negotiations. Arshad's fee is higher than each member of the cast, barring Ajay Devgan. It is even higher than that of Kareena Kapoor who has a three-film deal with the producers.

Says a source: 'After 'Ishqiya', Arshad was adamant on his fee. The producers (Ashtavinayak) tried to convince him to take a much smaller fee, arguing that his co-stars Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor and Kunal Khemu (who replaces Sharman Joshi) were accepting a far smaller fee and if Arshad was paid three crore, the others would feel short-changed.'

But Arshad stuck to his guns. Earlier reports said the actor, now hot at the box office after 'Ishqiya', did not like the script of 'Golmaal 3'.

Director of the film, Rohit Shetty, says: 'We were really keen to have him in the film. And yes, the price has been worked out between Arshad and the producers. So he's on.'

Strangely, though Rohit confirmed Arshad's presence in 'Golmaal 3', Arshad was still in denial.

'I am not sure yet. They've been after me for some time now. But I'm not able to make up my mind. I need to give time to my own production 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost'. So I don't know how I'll manage the dates,' he said.

Sharman Joshi, who was part of the earlier two movies of the 'Golmaal' series, had reportedly asked for Rs2.5 crore. He turned down the third part through his secretary.

Says Rohit Shetty: 'Even before the scripting of 'Golmaal 3', Sharman sent me a message through his secretary, saying he had other plans. I immediately looked for a replacement and am very happy with Kunal Khemu.'