Sameera outraced
TILL RECENTLY Sameera Reddy was quite upbeat about her forthcoming film Abbas Mastaan's Race, but not anymore. After seeing the rushes of the film Sameera is very disappointed because she feels that the makers of the film have short changed her by giving all the importance to the other two actresses, Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu.
An industry source reveals, "Sameera had helped directors Abbas Mastaan by stepping into this film at the last minute after Mallika Sherawat had ditched them. They promised her big things in the beginning and seemed so grateful, but now they are keeping her out of the films promotional events. She's naturally hurt and disappointed." She was excluded from the Press meet held in Delhi to promote the film, worse still the entire event focused completely on Katrina and Bipasha, as if Sameera did not exist.
Abbas Mastaan and producer Ramesh Taurani's Race were in a mess when their third actress Mallika walked out on them at the last minute. They desperately needed a replacement, so they approached Sameera and got her to sign the film after promising her a big role. Sameera who hasn't had a single release in 2007 immediately agreed quite thrilled that she was getting a great opportunity and at the same time helping them out by allotting them instant shooting dates.
However, once the shooting started Sameera was in for a rude and shocking surprise. Says a source from the film's unit, "Throughout the shooting Sameera was treated badly. All she did was just stand around, while Bipasha and Katrina had the meaty dialogues and scenes. Sameera promptly took the matter to producer Ramesh Taurani, who promised to look into the matter. But he didn't do anything and she was helpless!"
Post the shooting Sameera thought that at least the makers would include her in the promotional campaigns of the film but they humiliated her there too by just ignoring her.
When we approached Sameera she refused to comment. But her hurt was apparent. Even though the producer says, "before signing the film Sameera was aware about the length of her role. We didn't force her to sign the film, she did it on her free will," he forgets that it was she who saved them money and time by immediately accepting to do the role.
(I don't understand why Sameera has a problem as everyone knows that Katrina and Bipasha have more star value than she does! If she wasn't comfortable with her role and how big/small it is she should have walked out)
Jhanak
