Manoj Bajpayee was signed to do Aamir’s role in ‘Rang…’: Writer
In the world of cinema, it is not uncommon for roles to be offered to actors who eventually turn them down and for new actors to be cast in their place. This is exactly what happened with the iconic film ‘Rang De Basanti’, which went on to win numerous awards and critical acclaim. According to Kamlesh Pandey, one of the screenwriters of the film, actor Manoj Bajpayee was initially signed to play the role that Aamir Khan played finally.
In an interview with Raavya Sarda, Pandey revealed that the moment Aamir heard the script, he told the filmmakers that he wanted to do the film and even managed to get AR Rahman on board with the project. This is a testament to Aamir’s passion for the project and his ability to convince others to join him.
The idea for ‘Rang De Basanti’ was born out of a desire to create a film that would appeal to a younger generation. Pandey and his co-writer, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, were inspired by the Indian independence movement and wanted to create a story that would resonate with contemporary audiences. They drew parallels between the struggles of the Indian freedom fighters and the struggles of today’s youth, creating a powerful and thought-provoking narrative.
Interestingly, the producers of the film initially thought that ‘Rang De Basanti’ was going to be a remake of the classic film ‘Sholay’. This is likely due to the fact that the film’s storyline, which revolves around a group of young people who take up arms against the government, bears some similarities to the plot of ‘Sholay’. However, Pandey and Mehra were determined to create a unique and original story, and they worked tirelessly to develop a narrative that would stand on its own merits.
One of the most significant decisions the filmmakers made was to cast Esha Deol as the character of Chandni, aka Basanti. This was a bold move, as Deol was still relatively new to the film industry at the time and had not yet established herself as a leading lady. However, the filmmakers saw something special in her and decided to take a chance on her. Deol’s performance in the film was widely praised, and she went on to become a household name in Bollywood.
The decision to cast Aamir Khan in the lead role was also a significant one. Khan was already an established star in Bollywood, having appeared in a string of successful films throughout the 1990s. He was known for his versatility and ability to take on a wide range of roles, and the filmmakers knew that he would bring a level of depth and nuance to the character of Daljit.
In the end, the decision to cast Aamir Khan in the lead role proved to be a wise one. Khan’s performance in ‘Rang De Basanti’ was widely praised, and he went on to win numerous awards for his portrayal of Daljit. The film itself was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented Aamir Khan’s status as one of the most respected and successful actors in Bollywood.
In conclusion, the story of ‘Rang De Basanti’ is a fascinating one, full of twists and turns and unexpected surprises. The film’s success was by no means guaranteed, and the filmmakers faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way. However, their determination and passion for the project ultimately paid off, and ‘Rang De Basanti’ went on to become one of the most beloved and respected films in Bollywood history.
