Salman Khan finally breaks his silence over Priyanka Chopra's exit from 'Bharat'

Priyanka Chopra's sudden exit from Salman Khan starer 'Bharat' took everyone by surprise. Fans of both stars were waiting eagerly for the two stars to unite on screen after 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' and Priyanka's exit was confirmed by the film's director Ali Abbas Zafar with a cryptic hint that hinted that she had walked out of the project as she was to get married to Nick Jonas. 

A lot has been written about Salman Khan, who is also one of the producers of the film, being miffed with the actress. The reports though have been rubbished by Salman's father Salim Khan but the actor himself has maintained a stoic silence over the matter. 

On Monday, as he presented the trailer of 'Loveratri' that marks the debut of his brother-in-law Aayush Sharma in Bollywood, Salman finally responded to Priyanka's exit from 'Bharat'. 

The actor said, "I am really happy for her. Had we known earlier that she has signed a big film in Hollywood, we would have never stopped her. My shooting had begun. We got to know about her decision of leaving the film at the end moment- just 10 days before her schedule," said Salman.

"Priyanka had come home and I told her, `It`s okay if you don`t want to do it`. At that time, we were given some other reason. Whatever may be the reason - be it marriage or picture or her not being willing to work in India or with me, it`s her reason and we are really supportive about her doing good work. If she does not want to work with Salman Khan, it`s okay she`s working with a big hero in Hollywood," the actor added. Also see: Priyanka Chopra reacts to her engagement news.

The `Sultan` star then thanked Katrina Kaif for coming on board at the end moment."So, when Priyanka said it`s not working out because of whatever reason she gave us, we wished her good luck. And then, we went for Katrina. She is already doing `Zero` with Shah Rukh Khan, `Thugs of Hindostan` with Aamir Khan and another film with Yash Raj Films. With all these films, she said yes to `Bharat`, because of which we are very grateful to her. She is extremely hard working," he concluded. 

PeeCee exited `Bharat` after she reportedly got engaged to rumoured boyfriend, Nick Jonas. The actress has also signed a film with Chris Pratt. 

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, 'Bharat' is slated to hit theatres on June 5, next year.