'Not Alia Bhatt, Rani Mukerji was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first choice for Gangubai Kathiawadi,' reveals this Salman Khan co-star

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi did a fantastic business of over Rs. 125 crore at the box-office amid a time when the biggest of films were biting the dust. And in an interview with Screen Daily, the filmmaker spoke about the idea of making the film, subverting the grandeur and ambience of the narrative, and the experience of working with Alia Bhatt.

However, the one thing that many people don’t know is that how Rani Mukerji was the first choice for the role, and this was revealed by actor and singer Aditya Narayan on Bharti TV.

Narayan revealed, “At that time, he had two scripts with him: Ram-Leela and Gangubai Kathiawadi. I think he was considering making Gangubai Kathiawadi with Rani Mukerji in the lead at that time. He gave all of us the two scripts and asked which one was better. I also like Ram-Leela more.”

The actor added, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Gangubai Kathiawadi was initially to be made with Rani Mukerji in the lead. However, things didn’t work out with Rani, and that’s when he decided to ask Priyanka Chopra while filming Bajirao Mastani. The project couldn’t take off as PeeCee was running on a tight schedule while also pursuing a career in Hollywood.”

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On assisting SLB

It felt like a great idea. When I approached him with this wish, he smiled, thinking I would give up in five days. To not break my heart, he asked me to come to his office. However, during the first week, he didn’t give me any work, as he was sure I would give up soon. After a week, he started giving me work slowly.