New Delhi, Aug 19 - Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, who were set to make their acting debut with director J.P. Dutta's untitled film, were barred from making public appearances till its release. But now the Bangash brothers have returned to giving sarod recitals as their movie has been put on hold.

'We played (the sarod) after a sabbatical of one year. We were quite happy and it was a special moment since I have been playing for 15 years now, and this was one year when I didn't play; so I was really looking forward to this performance,' Amaan, who performed with brother Ayaan at Delhi's Malhaar Festival Monday, told IANS.

Sons of sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan and Ayaan teamed up with model sisters Tapur and Tupur Chatterjee for their Bollywood launch vehicle. After shooting major parts of the film, the makers have reportedly shelved it due to financial issues.

'We were under a contract of 'no public appearance'. But when we realised that the film is facing some problems and will take some time to release, we spoke to J.P. Dutta and told him that we can't keep waiting. It is not financially viable for us to avoid all our music concerts,' said 32-year-old Amaan.

'We had shot for the film for five-six months and almost 50 percent of the film was completed. We worked hard. I lost 18 kg for it. Shooting was supposed to be completed by July, but unfortunately it has now been postponed. I don't know the current status of the film,' he added.

Asked why they shifted from music to movies, Amaan said: 'Music is my first love, cinema just my hobby.