Popular novelist Chetan Bhagat sat down with IHNS for an exclusive, candid chat. The author reflected on various aspects of his life, including being targeted, dealing with anxiety, addiction to fame, family, and fatherhood. Chetan also shared information about the big names like Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and others who were considered to play the lead roles in 2 States, when asked if he was initially disappointed with the casting and later surprised by the performances.
Chetan Bhagat said that earlier, Vishal Bhardwaj was directing 2 States when top names were considered for the lead roles. He said, “There was a time when Vishal Bhardwaj was going to make it. There was a time when the names of Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Priyanka Chopra were being discussed. I think there was an article about everyone’s name in 2 States.”
Bhagat added, “It was very good casting, and it made the film fresh because they were young. If it had had older actors, I don’t know, they probably would have done a very good job. But it was very surprising.”
Furthermore, Chetan Bhagat also revealed that every actor had said no to Kai Po Che! Later Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao and Amit Sadh played the lead roles and made the film immortal. He described Kai Po Che as the best adaptation of his book.
The author highlighted the incident in which Shah Rukh Khan showed humility and kindness towards him, which impressed him the most. He said that he had gone to the sets of Om Shanti Om with his mother and Shahrukh himself had pulled out a chair for him. In another instance, when Chetan, along with Mohit Suri, visited SRK’s residence, the King actor walked up to his car to say goodbye to him, which made him feel very special and close.
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