Smriti Irani opts out of All Is Well for cabinet work, Bhushan Kumar supports her decision

15 Dec 2014

To end speculations about the delay in the Abhishek Bachchan - Asin starrer All Is Well, Bhushan Kumar, the producer of the film along with Mrs. Smriti Irani have decided to make this announcement. Contrary to the reports that appeared in a leading tabloid, the producers have not replaced her and the decision was mutual and amicable.

Mrs. Irani, had commenced shooting for the film in November 2013 but due to the some unforeseen circumstances, the shoot could not be concluded within time frame that was originally decided. Given these unforeseen circumstances, Mrs. Irani was extremely professional and worked around her schedule so as to keep her commitment to the film and the producers.

Thereafter, Mrs. Irani was inducted in the Union Cabinet as Minister for Human Resource Development in May 2014 and has since then tried her utmost to complete the project, given her duty to the nation and her tight schedule. However, due to logistical problems these efforts have not fructified and she has had to unfortunately bow out of the film.

Smriti states, "It is really sad but I had to take this decision of opting out of the project as I have a larger role to play and have a duty towards our nation. The nation has expectations from me and this Government, which I will fulfill. The people of India have put their faith in us and I will not let them down." Adding to this she says, "I understand the team has to make accommodations due to my departure and for that I am extremely grateful to them. I tried to rework my schedule and shoot every weekend which my co-stars graciously agreed to as well, but for logistical reasons that did not materialize. Given the circumstances, Mr. Bhushan graciously let me bow out and I am thankful of Bhushanji, Umesh Shukla and all the co-stars Rishiji, Abhishek and Asin for understanding the gravity of the situation and agreeing to support me and the production and direction team." Bhushan Kumar was misquoted in the tabloid reports. On this development, Mr Kumar stated, "Smritiji was generous enough to work out her schedule to shoot with us, but we completely understand her duties towards the cabinet and the nation and are in complete agreement that she has a larger responsibility to fulfill. I am glad that the other actors on board - Rishiji, Abhishek and Asin are very supporting and have agreed to make requisite accommodations in order to complete the film." Abhishek Bachchan who has reworked his schedule to fit in the shoot for All Is Well says, "Smriti Irani is a wonderful actress but her role as the minister of Human Resource Development is definitely the most important and must be prioritized above all else. When Bhushan Kumar and the team of All Is Well informed me of their decision, I was happy to rework my dates and reshoot the portions required in the best interests of the film. Umesh Shukla is a great director and I look forward to the shoot." Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor who plays Abhishek's father, paired opposite Smriti Irani while speaking about the same Rishi Kapoor says, "Smriti is a fabulous actor and her love for cinema was very visible while shooting. But we understand her situation and now will start the shoot as per the new schedule." All is Well which is Umesh Shukla's second film says, "Smritiji tried her best to accommodate the shoot of All is Well in her schedule but it could not work out. She had to opt out of the project for genuine reasons. I am grateful to the entire star cast, technicians and producer Bhushan Kumar who are supportive and have agreed to work on their schedules to complete the shoot at the earliest." The shoot for the film starts in January next year and producer Bhushan Kumar confirms the release date as July 3, 2015.