Deepika Padukone: 'I told Taurani why I dropped out of Race 2'

Deepika Padukone has claimed that she explained her reasons for dropping out of Race 2 to director Ramesh Taurani.

The filmmaker accused the actress of refusing to meet him to reveal why she walked out of the action sequel.

Padukone told The Times of India: "I never refused to meet him. I was not in the country, so I suggested he meet my managers. That day, I landed at 7am, and I had to shoot for the climax of Cocktail at 9am, and I told him that I would meet him after the shoot.

"But he came over on the sets and I explained my reasons for not being able to do the film.

"I have tremendous respect for Rameshji and that was never my intention. I feel very bad about opting out of the film, but I have no other option.

"It was a very hard decision, but I had to make it as the dates kept going back and forth and I have other commitments too that I have to live up to."

Padukone added that she set aside four months for the movie last year but was unable to hold back any longer because of her other filming commitments, which include Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani with ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor.

In October, it was reported that she had ditched Race 2 to focus on the romantic comedy.