Imran Abbas out of Akshay's next film

Imran Abbas apparently violated his exclusive contract by auditioning for an upcoming Khan film

After starring in Anthony D'Souza's Blue (2009), Akshay Kumar will again be seen in the director's next, Naam Hai Boss. For the remake of the 2010 Malayalam hit Pokkiri Raja, the actor will reprise the part Mammootty played in the original. However, the latest news is that Pakistani model-turned-actor Imran Abbas, who was set to play Prithviraj's role opposite Akshay, is no longer part of the project.

Although the makers refused to comment on the issue, insiders say that Imran lost out on his debut Hindi film as he violated the terms of his contract.

Apparently, producer Ashwin Varde had signed Imran on an exclusive contract with his company. The deal prohibited the newbie from getting involved with any other film. "But Imran unknowingly auditioned for another project starring one of the big Khans. That irked the makers, who have been sponsoring Imran's training, accommodation and other expenses all this while. That is why, citing breach of contract, Imran was dropped from the film," says an industry source. After the debacle, the actor immediately departed for Pakistan.

Despite repeated attempts, Imran remained unavailable for a comment. But a friend of the actor, on condition of anonymity, calls the move "unfair and unfortunate". He says: "Imran didn't sign up for any film. If he had, the makers would have had all the right to fire him But he only auditioned. I don't understand how any contract can stop you from auditioning for random films."