Tabloids have it that at the outset, the makers of the ‘Murder’ sequel had approached the ‘Murder’ heroine Mallika for the item song in the flick, but when the actress turned down the offer on grounds of fee, the filmmakers moved on to the dusky hottie Bipasha Basu.
When asked about the item song offer, Bipasha’s spokesperson said, "Right now, she has no dates for the item number's shoot. However, Bipasha would love to work with the Bhatts again, and yes...if the shoot works out during the time she is available, she will most definitely be doing a dance number in Murder 2."
Why did Mallika reject the item song offer?
Rumors has it that as the makers of ‘Murder 2’ had roped in Jacqueline Fernandez for the role of the leading lady instead of Mallika, who had starred in the original, the latter got offended.
As such, when she was offered the item song in the sequel, she demanded a high fee. But the filmmakers, reluctant to pay her the huge amount, switched on to Bips.
When asked why Jacqueline was preferred to Mallika, director Mohit Suri said, “I signed her as she fits the role very well. Murder is a brand and I feel Jacqueline carries the sensuality that the character required, very well.
“We wanted give the project a fresh look. The first Murder also had a new girl [Mallika], which worked.”