Producer Ashwin Varde has responded to Paresh Rawal’s recent claims regarding the origins of OMG 2, strongly denying the actor’s allegations and sharing his account of how the film came together. Varde also alleged that Rawal attempted to develop a version of OMG without Akshay Kumar’s involvement. Here’s everything he said.
Ashwin Varde responds to Paresh Rawal’s claims on OMG 2
In an exclusive conversation with Pinkvilla, producer Ashwin Varde dismissed Paresh Rawal’s recent statements that the story of OMG 2 was his idea and that he was denied due credit.
Calling the allegations “shocking, untrue and unsubstantiated,” Varde said he felt compelled to present his version of events.
According to the producer, the journey of OMG 2 began when actor Pavan Malhotra introduced him to writer-director Amit Rai. During one of their meetings, Amit narrated a story that eventually evolved into OMG 2.
Varde revealed that Amit had told him he intentionally structured the script in the style of OMG because Paresh Rawal had advised him to stay close to the narrative format of the original film. However, Varde said he immediately raised concerns, believing that any sequel or continuation of OMG required Akshay Kumar’s approval, as the intellectual property belonged to him.
Producer alleges Paresh Rawal wanted to make OMG without Akshay Kumar
Varde further claimed that Amit Rai had questioned Paresh Rawal about the rights, to which the actor allegedly responded that the franchise belonged to him and there was nothing to worry about.
The producer said this raised ethical concerns for him, adding that he believed an attempt was being made to create an OMG-like film under a different title.
He alleged that several actors who were approached with the script reportedly declined because they felt it closely resembled OMG and believed Akshay Kumar’s approval was necessary. Varde said his production company later acquired the script to safeguard the project.
According to him, the screenplay remained solely credited to Amit Rai, who is the registered writer of the film.
Ashwin Varde recalls discussions with Paresh Rawal
Varde revealed that after acquiring the script, he met Paresh Rawal on multiple occasions to discuss casting him in the film.
During one of those meetings, Varde said he informed Rawal that he intended to narrate the script to Akshay Kumar because of its similarities to OMG. He claimed Rawal strongly opposed that decision and insisted the project should not become OMG.
Varde alleged that this made him feel Rawal wanted Akshay Kumar to remain uninvolved in the project. He added that, as a producer, he believed it was both ethically and legally appropriate to approach Akshay before proceeding.
Eventually, the makers decided to move ahead with Akshay Kumar, leading to the development of OMG 2.
‘Paresh was approached first,’ says producer
Varde also stated that despite their differences, Paresh Rawal was the first actor approached for the film. He claimed Akshay Kumar personally spoke to Rawal in an attempt to convince him to join the project, but the actor declined. After waiting for nearly two months, the makers moved forward without him.
The producer further maintained that Rawal’s association with OMG 2 was limited to being considered for an acting role and that an actor agreement had even been exchanged during discussions.
He also said that Rawal and his production banner were given producer credit in OMG 2 despite, according to him, having no creative contribution to the sequel. Varde added that Rawal was also paid an agreed remuneration for the project.
Concluding his statement, Varde reiterated that no one attempted to deprive Paresh Rawal of credit and alleged that the makers had merely prevented what he described as an unethical attempt to recreate OMG without its rightful stakeholders.
