Mumbai: After signing Abbas-Mustan's next, the actress later backed out, to free her dates for Dabangg 2.

A call from Arbaaz Khan saw Sonakshi Sinha bidding a hasty adieu to Race 2. Apparently Sonakshi was all set to be a part of the film when Dabangg 2 came her way. Also, buzz is that Arbaaz Khan believes all those who opted out of the sequel actually were going to be a part of Abhinav Kashyap's next.

Abhinav, who directed Dabangg, later had a fallout with the Khan camp. Naturally, the actress had to make her choice quickly. Apparently Abbas-Mustan who are very close to Shatrughan and Punam Sinha called them up requesting for Sonakshi's dates for their film. Says a source, "Arbaaz is very clear on the issue of who he wants in Dabangg 2

He apparently has reason to believes that those who are turning down the Dabangg sequel are actually planning to be part of Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap's next. So being a part of Dabangg 2 has become a show of loyalty for Salman and his brother."

When Arbaaz decided to shoot the sequel, March 2012 onwards, Sonakshi had no choice but to drop everything and make time for the film. It looks like she couldn't let down the people who gave her her first break?

Director Abbas of Abbas-Mustan confirms he got a call asking to relieve Sonakshi from Race 2. "We got a call saying Sonakshi would be required to shoot Dabangg 2 from March, 2012. We had no choice but to let her go."