After Priyanka Chopra Jonas made an abrupt exit from Bharat, days before the film was to roll, Katrina Kaif stepped in as the leading lady much to the relief of Salman Khan and director Ali Abbas Zafar. Fans were quick to assume that she had bailed the makers out owing to her deep bond with them. However, Kaif insists signing the film was a purely professional decision.

"Ali and I are good friends, but when it comes to work, we are completely honest with each other. I read the script from start to finish in three hours and immediately called him to tell him that I loved it. I realised there was an opportunity of going the extra mile with this character. So, it had nothing to do with my friendship with Salman or Ali. In fact, Salman did not even call me after I signed the film. We met directly on the set," laughs the actor, talking on the sidelines of an online show presented by Grey Goose.