"Dabanng" actress Sonakshi Sinha has reportedly bagged the highy anticipated "Welcome" sequel, displacing Bollywood queen bee Katrina Kaif. Reports have confirmed that the actress who has a list of successful films to her credit will star opposite John Abraham in "Welcome Back" to be directed by Anees Bazmee.

It was earlier said that Katrina Kaif would continue her streak in the sequel to the 2007 hit "Welcome", but her role was cut short as Sonakshi was approached for the lead. Also, Kainaat Arora, who was last seen in Priyadarshan's "Katta-Meetha", would replace Mallika Sherawat. A source close to producer Feroz Nadiadwala revealed to a website, "We have finalised Sonakshi Sinha for Welcome 2, three days back."John Abraham will also be seen taking on the role from Akshay Kumar in the sequel which is to start shooting by June.

Meanwhile, a Times of India report stated that Sonakshi is being paid a fat sum for taking up the role in the Anees Bazee film. Even John Abraham will be remunerated doubly than his usual paycheck for the film. If the reports turn out true, then it would be great fortune for the young actress who is relatively new to the industry. Initial reports suggested that Sunny Leone would take up Mallika Sherawat's role in the sequel as the producers felt that the "Murder" girl has lost the appeal she used to hold.