After turning director, Vishesh Bhatt, after whom his uncle Mahesh and father Mukesh’s production banner is named, has picked Randeep Hooda over Emraan Hashmi for Murder 3. Mukesh, says, “Vishesh has a mind of his own. He will not get influenced by the banner’s casting pattern.”

Mukesh claims Vishesh purposely sidestepped Emraan. “Working with Emraan would have created a commercially safe zone for my son. If Murder 3 clicks, all credit will go to Emraan and his current status at the box office. We are proud of Emraan’s success but we now need to cultivate new talent.”