Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a respected director in Bollywood, attracts many big stars eager to collaborate with him due to his success. During the creation of ‘Bajirao Mastani,’ he initially considered Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai for pivotal roles. However, circumstances changed, leading the movie in a different direction.
The planning for ‘Bajirao Mastani’ began in 2003 with hopes of recreating the magical essence of ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.’ Fate intervened when Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai, initially considered for lead roles, experienced a painful breakup. This unexpected event shattered Bhansali’s envisioned narrative.
Left with no alternative, Bhansali replaced Aishwarya Rai with Kareena Kapoor. According to fascinating reports, Salman and Kareena even underwent acting tests for their roles. Salman, known for his dedication, underwent a physical transformation for the test. A snapshot taken during this phase remains in Bhansali’s office, a poignant reminder of what could have been.
Unfortunately, the anticipated collaboration didn’t materialize as expected. Rumors swirled about a significant fallout between the director and the actor, resulting in the project’s discontinuation.
Years later, Bhansali revived the project, this time casting Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles. They perfectly embodied Bhansali’s grand vision. Finally, in 2015, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ premiered.
The movie became a colossal success for Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra. Even today, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ stands as a hallmark in Bollywood’s history, considered one of the industry’s finest cinematic masterpieces.
It’s a testament to Bhansali’s persistence and his ability to find the right actors to breathe life into his visions, creating enduring magic on the silver screen.
Also Read: 20 Years Of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’: Here Are The Deleted Scenes From The Movie You Didn’t See