Did you know Manoj Bajpayee was first choice for Aamir Khan's role in Rang De Basanti? 'Makers mistook it for a Sholay remake, wanted Esha Deol as Basanti'
Rang De Basanti, a Bollywood classic, almost had a completely different cast. Initially envisioned as a small-budget film, Manoj Bajpayee was considered for Aamir Khan's role. Aamir's interest brought A.R. Rahman and UTV on board, transforming the project. Randeep Hooda declined a role, while some producers misunderstood the script, even suggesting Esha Deol as Basanti.
What if Rang De Basanti had looked completely different—with
Manoj Bajpayee
as DJ and
Esha Deol
as Basanti? Turns out, it almost did. From major casting what-ifs to industry mix-ups, new revelations shed surprising light on the chaotic journey behind one of Bollywood's most iconic films.
On Ravya Sarda's YouTube show, screenwriter Kamlesh Pandey shared that Rang De Basanti was originally planned as a small-budget film, with Manoj Bajpayee cast in the role that eventually went to
Aamir Khan
. The team had struggled for six years to get the film made, facing multiple rejections.
However, the project took a major turn when Aamir showed interest after hearing the script. His involvement not only brought credibility but also helped bring A.R.
Rahman on board. Following this, UTV—which had previously declined the film twice—quickly agreed to produce it, thanks to Aamir's star power and influence.
Kamlesh Pandey also revealed that many in the industry misunderstood the script of Rang De Basanti in its early days. Some producers mistakenly assumed it was a Sholay remake told from Basanti's perspective. Jokingly playing along, Pandey would mention casting Esha Deol in the role—remarks that were often taken seriously.
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He recalled feeling frustrated at how the script wasn't being taken seriously, with people dismissing its intent and narrative direction.
Another casting decision that could have significantly altered Rang De Basanti was Randeep Hooda initially being considered for the role of Karan, based on Bhagat Singh. Hooda later shared on a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra that he turned down the role as he didn't want to play second fiddle to Aamir Khan.
He admitted it was a decision he regrets. Hooda also revealed that his stubbornness cost him a role in Rock On!!, which eventually went to Siddharth.
Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Rang De Basanti featured a stellar ensemble cast including Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Soha Ali Khan, R. Madhavan, Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Atul Kulkarni, Alice Patten, Anupam Kher,
Waheeda Rehman
, and Kirron Kher.
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