Did Rana really replace Abhishek in DEPARTMENT?

Rana Daggubati is tired of being asked time and again about replacing Abhishek Bachchan in Ram Gopal Varma's DEPARTMENT. Though five months have passed by since Abhishek made way for him to step into a role that was originally written for him, Rana continues to respond to queries that revolve around this topic. No wonder, he is hardly amused anymore and feels that it is high time before media started speaking to him about his work than the so-called 'issue' of 'replacing' Abhishek.

Yes, Abhishek was originally supposed to be doing DEPARTMENT but then he had genuine date issues. Currently he is involved in so many other films. He is completing PLAYERS and then starting BOL BACHCHAN as well. This is when I came in. But then to think about it, you can't use the word 'replace' in any format whatsoever. After all he is so much senior to me and there is no way that someone who has just started off can even think of replacing him,' says Rana in an earnest tone.

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Currently shooting in Mumbai for DEPARTMENT, Rana admits though that his prior association with Abhishek during their DUM MAARO DUM days made it comfortable for him to step into 'Department' without feeling too conscious about it.

"Abhishek and I have been very close to each other since we did DUM MAARO DUM together. We spent a lot of time together during the promotional visits as well. When Ramu offered me DEPARTMENT, I actually went and spoke to Abhishek so that we could clear things on a good note. In fact Abhishek himself advised me that I should go for it. This is when I gave my go ahead to Ramu," informs Rana while animatedly gesturing that this was perhaps the last time he was speaking on this topic.

Point noted Rana.

Source:http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/11/sep/05-did-rana-really-replace-abhishek-in-department-091102.asp