It’s no secret that actor Jacqueline Fernandez became a hot favourite of the Bhatt banner after the success of Murder 2 (2011). She was then signed on for the third installment of their horror franchise Raaz, which is supposed to be made in 3D.

But apparently, the filmmakers have now dismissed the contract with her. Confirming the news, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, says, “Yes Jacqueline is not in Raaz 3 any more. Actor Esha Gupta will be playing the role instead.” This will be the second film in a row with the Bhatts for debutant Esha Gupta, since she is also playing the female lead opposite Emraan Hashmi in Jannat 2.

As for Jacqueline, the story is that the actor disagreed with director Vikram Bhatt over the wardrobe choices he had made for her character. Forced to choose between the vision of their director and their female lead’s demands, the producers decided to go with Vikram.

“My director communicated to us there was a radical difference between him and Jacqueline over the way the character should dress in the film,” says Mahesh, adding, “Since the director’s vision is paramount for us and for the business of filmmaking, we gracefully decided to part ways.” Jacqueline remained unavailable to comment.

But the Sri Lankan model-turned-actor is not in dearth of projects. She will be seen in two big-ticket sequels alleged boyfriend Sajid Khan’s Housefull 2 and director duo Abbas Mustan’s Race 2.