Newcomer accuses Kangana of chopping her role

Set to debut with Kangana's film, TV star says her role deliberately chopped

Until a few months ago, TV actor Nikunj Malik was thrilled about making her Bollywood debut in Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film. However, now, the small screen star seems disappointed. "My role has been butchered," says an irate Nikunj, who claims that half her scenes have been cut from the film.

Ask her who she feels might have been responsible for this and she immediately defends the director, Sai Kabir. "He isn't to be blamed. He is helpless as it's his directorial debut," she says.

However, mention Kangana and she alleges, "It could be her. I don't know for sure as I can only suspect. I have many group scenes with her, but a few solo ones that were planned were never shot."

Nikunj now insists that she "won't watch the film or promote it". But the director isn't worried, nor does he support her reaction. Kabir says, "Nikunj's done a good job, but she doesn't understand film-making. She's just panicking. Kangana isn't part of the edit process, and has nothing to do with it. The film is an ensemble with 20 actors and everyone's roles have been justified."

Although Kangana preferred not to comment, a source close to her says, "Newcomers have a lot of expectations. They believe they are important. But the length of a role is entirely the director's vision. If she feels so strongly (about her part), then she shouldn't do smaller character roles."