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Alia Bhatt’s casting in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi was widely believed to be the filmmaker’s first and only choice. However, new revelations confirm that Bhansali initially envisioned Rani Mukerji in the lead role. This was disclosed by singer and TV host Aditya Narayan, who once assisted Bhansali as an Assistant Director. In a recent appearance on Bharti TV, Aditya shared memories of his early career struggles and how he unexpectedly began working with the acclaimed director.

Aditya Narayan shared that after his acting debut film Shaapit failed at the box office, he found himself without work. “As I had no other work, I decided to learn something new. I was drawn to filmmaking because I had been interested in making music and music videos since childhood. It was Sonu Nigam (also a judge on X Factor India) who asked me why I shouldn’t consider assisting Bhansali,” he revealed. He went on to describe how Bhansali initially wasn’t convinced about him lasting long on the job. “It felt like a great idea. When I approached him with this wish, he smiled, thinking I would give up in five days. To not break my heart, he asked me to come to his office. However, during the first week, he didn’t give me any work, as he was sure I would give up soon. After a week, he started giving me work slowly,” Aditya said.

Meanwhile, during this time, Bhansali had two scripts with him – Ram-Leela and Gangubai Kathiawadi. Aditya recalled, “At that time, he had two scripts with him: Ram-Leela and Gangubai Kathiawadi. I think he was considering making Gangubai Kathiawadi with Rani Mukerji in the lead at that time. He gave all of us the two scripts and asked which one was better. I also like Ram-Leela more.” Although Gangubai Kathiawadi turned into a major success both critically and commercially. Alia Bhatt’s performance was hailed as career-defining, and she even went on to win the National Award for Best Actress.

 

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Interestingly, Rani wasn’t the only actress considered for the role. Reports from 2019 also suggested that Priyanka Chopra was approached by Bhansali. Since they were already working together on Bajirao Mastani, he wanted to collaborate again. However, Priyanka’s busy Hollywood commitments made it impossible. Eventually, when Bhansali’s ambitious project Inshallah was shelved, he revisited Gangubai Kathiawadi. By then, Alia Bhatt’s dates were available, and he decided to go ahead with her in the lead role.