By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

If there was an award for the most animated game of musical chairs in the world of cinema, Ram Gopal Varma's "Darling" would win hands down.

First Randeep Hooda opted out of the film and was replaced by Fardeen Khan. Then Lara Dutta said no and left for London, leaving the coast clear for Esha Deol.

And now Bipasha Basu has also opted out of "Darling", which was earlier entitled "Baby". She has been replaced by Isha Koppikar who gained her portion of fame as the "Khallas girl" in Varma's "Company".

"Yes, I'm doing 'Darling'. Why and how I don't know. I think Ramu (Varma) would be in a better position to answer," Isha told IANS.

So, what brings on this eleventh hour change in the cast when Varma has already shot 40 percent of "Darling"?

"Nothing!" asserted Ramu. "It's as simple and boring as date problems. So please don't try to read anything more into it. I'd love to work with Bipasha. In fact, she did 'Darna Zaroori Hai' with us and will work for us again in the future.

"I think Isha suits the role too. So, when Bipasha expressed her inability we quickly asked Isha and she agreed."