- By Sukanya Saha
- Sat, 26 Aug 2023 06:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Sushant Singh Rajput's Dil Bechara Director Reveals Actor's Unfulfilled Dream: Over three years have passed since the unfortunate demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, yet his fame and lasting impact on both his admirers and the film industry continue to hold considerable importance. Renowned for his steadfast dedication to the characters he embraced, Sushant stirred his fans' anticipation when news emerged in the early years of the previous decade regarding his partnership with the iconic Shekhar Kapur on a movie named 'Paani.' Although it gained attention as far back as 2013, the ambitious endeavour was eventually halted.
Presently, Mukesh Chhabra, the casting director who directed Sushant's final movie 'Dil Bechara,' has disclosed Sushant's fervour for 'Paani.' Chhabra revealed that Sushant declined several offers in favour of giving precedence to the film, a choice that was misconstrued as "arrogance" by certain people.
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While participating in the Art of Acting discussion tour in the US, Mukesh Chhabra shared, "He said no to so many films just because of 'Paani.' People assumed that his newfound stardom had caused him to develop an arrogance. But he was genuinely happy and excited about the film."
"Everyone wants to work with Shekhar Kapur. I was there when he was confirmed for the film. He was happy like a child after the news. Unfortunately, the film didn't happen," Mukesh Chhabra recalled.
Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajput-Starrer Chhichhore 2 On The Horizon? Here's What We Know
During an interview with Film Companion South last year, Shekhar Kapur also recognised Sushant's eagerness for the project and disclosed that the actor shed tears when the project was abandoned. Shekhar Kapur also mentioned that if the film eventually becomes a reality, he intends to dedicate it to the memory of the late actor.
Reportedly taking place in the relatively near future, 'Paani' delves into themes related to the climate crisis. There was a period when efforts were made to have John Travolta join the cast as a co-star.
Having finalised 'Paani' as his project in 2013, Kapur had expressed on Twitter: "Paani is my next film. It's so huge complex and important that I don't have energy for anything else. "#Paani is more than a film. It's a mission. Yes, it's facing obstacles, but nothing, no one can stop its flow."
In another conversation with WION, Kapur had emphasised that Sushant was an ideal fit for the role he was offered in 'Paani.' "When I took on Sushant. He wasn't a big star. I needed somebody who was not a big star. Who grows through the film and you discover this person through the film. So, I will find somebody like that. It was a pity.
Actually, it is far more complicated. Between the time Yash Raj and Sushant broke up to the point of his passing away, it was three or four years. By that time, I had already left and was doing other stuff. Sushant was perfect for it that time."