Chetan Bhagat Reveals Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra
Chetan Bhagat Reveals Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra
Celebrated author Chetan Bhagat recently sat down for an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, where he opened up about his personal journey, fame, struggles with anxiety, and experiences in Bollywood adaptations of his novels. During the conversation, the writer made an interesting revelation — that Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were once considered for the lead roles in the film adaptation of his bestseller 2 States. – Chetan Bhagat Reveals Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra
Bhagat recalled that during the early development stage of the film, Vishal Bhardwaj was attached to direct the project, and several big names were in talks for the cast.
“There was a time when Vishal Bhardwaj was going to make 2 States. Back then, names like Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Priyanka Chopra were being discussed. I think articles mentioning these actors had already started circulating,” Bhagat shared.
Chetan Bhagat Reveals Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra
When asked if he was initially skeptical about the final casting choices of Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, Bhagat admitted he had his doubts at first.
“To be honest, when they told me that a new director was coming on board and the leads would be Arjun Kapoor, who had done just one movie, and Alia Bhatt, who had debuted with Student of the Year, I was like, ‘Okay… this isn’t what we discussed earlier.’”
However, the author soon realized that the youthful casting brought a refreshing energy to the film.
“It turned out to be a wonderful decision. Their chemistry felt real and fresh. If older actors had done it, it might have been a different film altogether. But this casting gave 2 States the charm it needed. It was a pleasant surprise,” he added.
Chetan Bhagat Reveals Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra
Chetan Bhagat also spoke about another one of his novels adapted into film — Kai Po Che!, revealing that every major actor initially turned down the project. Eventually, Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, and Amit Sadh took on the leading roles, creating one of the most memorable films based on his work.
“I still believe Kai Po Che! is the best adaptation of any of my books. The trio brought life and authenticity to the story,” he said.
During the interview, Bhagat also fondly recalled a heartwarming encounter with Shah Rukh Khan that left a lasting impression on him.
“When I visited the Om Shanti Om set with my mother, Shah Rukh personally pulled a chair for me. Later, when Mohit Suri and I visited his home, he walked us to the car to say goodbye. His humility and warmth made us feel incredibly special,” the author reminisced.
While 2 States ultimately found its success with Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, Bhagat’s revelation sheds light on what could have been — a version of the film led by two of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra. Yet, as fate would have it, the youthful energy of its final cast turned 2 States into a beloved modern romantic classic.
Chetan Bhagat Reveals Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra
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