Why Irrfan Khan wasn’t in Welcome to Karachi

However, Irrfan had walked out of Welcome to Karachi after a difference of opinion with the film’s makers over the actress to be cast opposite him. From what our sources tell us, Irrfan was apparently told that “a well-known British actress” would be cast as his leading lady. However, when the final cast was announced, it was dancer-turned-actress Lauren Gottlieb who was to feature opposite Irrfan. Irrfan then opted out of the project — after giving the team adequate notice, our source insists.

“There have been a lot of accusations flying back and forth between Irrfan and the film’s team. But Irrfan was kept in the dark about the film’s leading lady. He was told a reputed British actress would be cast. To be honest, he wouldn’t have minded working with anyone. But he did feel the actress who was cast opposite him would need to have great timing and he wasn’t convinced this was the case (with Lauren).”

Irrfan, on his part, was sorry to turn his back on the project, especially since he had been involved with it over a long time. “I saw a great deal of potential in the script of Welcome To Karachi. I was working with the director Ashish R. Mohan for more than a year on the subject. But then things didn’t work out,” said Irrfan, adding that he had informed Vashu Bhagnani well in advance that he wouldn’t be doing the film. “We mutually agreed to part. Then all of a sudden, I heard that I had left them high and dry. In my entire career I’ve never been accused of unprofessionalism. I wish Vashuji’s film all the best.” Irrfan was replaced by Jackky Bhagnani in the film.