New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) Bollywood actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, who has been on a high ever since his debut production "Dabangg" turned out to be a blockbuster, will now take the reigns as the director for the sequel of the masala action movie.

Director Abhinav Kashyap, who helmed "Dabangg", has decided against directing the sequel, for reasons unknown.

"Hey guys it true, I will be directing the sequel of 'Dabangg'. Abhinav for some personal n professional reasons opted out (sic)," Arbaaz posted on his Twitter page Thursday.

Arbaaz, who couldn't make it big as an actor thanks to flops like "Daraar" and "Hello Brother", hit the gold with his first production venture.

"Scripting has already started, the filming starts by early january. Start sound, camera, action. Inshallah 'Dabangg 2' will live up to all the expectations and be a huge blockbuster because of you all. God bless . Allah hafiz. Dabangg ho!," added the 43-year-old.

Rumours that Kashyap won't direct the "Dabangg" sequel began doing the rounds in November last year itself.

At that time, Kashyap had denied the news, and told IANS: "This is just a rumour. I want to know if I am not making it, then who is making it? I even spoke to Arbaaz (Khan)...even he doesn't know from where these rumours are coming."

It was speculated that either Arbaaz or his brother Sohail would be directing the movie, and the news has now turned out to be true.

"Dabangg", starring Salman Khan and debutant Sonakshi Sinha, was the highest Bollywood grosser of 2010.