Who would have imagined that a trivial joke by Salman would spark off rumours that Jacqueline would no longer feature in Kick 2!

In what should come as music to the lovely Jacqueline Fernandez’s ears, producer-director Sajid Nadiadwala confirms that the stunner, who was part of the original Kick, is going nowhere. She will continue to be part of the action franchise, starring Salman Khan, he vouches.

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This comes on the heels of strong speculation that Jackie was being replaced in the sequel. Amy Jackson’s was the name that was touted to feature as Salman ‘Devil’ Khan’s leading lady. It was reported that Amy, who has made a considerable name for herself in the South industry, had beat out the competition to bag the coveted role of the female lead in this anticipated sequel. She apparently fit the bill perfectly and was on the verge of being finalized.

However, now Sajid Nadiadwala, who had made his directorial debut with Kick in 2014, steps in to deny any such development. He maintains that the script for the sequel is being written keeping Fernandez in mind.

“We had already decided that there would be a sequel. I’ve been writing it for a year now. As I had a lot of other things on my plate, it was taking time. I’ll restart the writing process. We should be ready to roll the movie next year after Salman finishes all his current films. Kick 2 will release on Christmas 2019,” he stated.

More importantly, Nadiadwala revealed how the rumours had started circulating in the first place… Apparently, Salman was at an event where he was presenting Sajid with the Best Director award. In his usual jovial style, Salman quipped, “Kick 2 is ready now, and Jacqueline, you are not there!”

Unaware that it was all a big joke, the ‘news’ was quickly picked up and reported in the media. However, there remains a slight sliver of doubt… Sajid reveals that only once he finishes penning down the script of the film, will he be “completely sure”. As of now, Jacqueline features in what he is writing but it is too early to talk about it, he maintains.

…And so the suspense continues!