Ever since Lara Dutta stepped into 'Don 2', there have been immense speculations around the characters played by the cast members. Even though majority of the principal cast remains same, whether it is Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani or Om Puri, addition of new faces like Lara Dutta and Kunal Kapoor had made one wonder whey are enacting fresh characters or replacing someone from 'Don - The Chase Begins Again'.

"Esha Kopphikar had played Shah Rukh's moll in 'Don' and she is conspicuous by her absence in the sequel. Many felt that Lara Dutta was roped in as her replacement since she is a far more saleable name," says a source, "There is no truth in this though as Esha's character has been done away with. Lara's character is a freshly written part in the sequel and that too as a special appearance."

Another source close to the production house adds, "'Don 2' is a multi starrer and while every notable actor has an integral part to play in the film, it is Shah Rukh and Priyanka who stay on as main leads. Lara was well aware about her part from the very beginning so being billed as a 'special appearance' isn't a surprise for her."

When contacted, film's co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani confirmed the news, "Yes, Lara is a fresh and new character that she is enacting and she isn't replacing Esha. Also, she would be billed as a 'special appearance'".

Now that should finally lay all speculations to rest.