'He had two scripts...': Aditya Narayan reveals Rani Mukerji, not Alia Bhatt, was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first choice for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Alia Bhatt impressed one and all with her power-packed performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi. However, not many know that the actress wasn't the first choice of the filmmaker for the role. Yes, you read that right!

Aditya Narayan’s journey with Bhansali

In conversation wth Bharti Singh, Aditya Narayan recalled that he was jobless after the failure of Shaapit and eventually started working with Bhansali. Aditya said, “As I had no other work, I decided to learn something new. I was drawn to filmmaking because I had been interested in making music and music videos since childhood. It was Sonu Nigam (also a judge on X Factor India) who asked me why I shouldn’t consider assisting Bhansali."

Starting slow but learning fast

Elaborating further, he added, “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."

Aditya continued, “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."

Other names in the running

Along with Rani, Priyanka Chopra was also reportedly being considered for the role of the matriarch. In an old interview Mumbai Mirror, PC had addressed the buzz. She said, "I have no idea. I haven’t signed a Hindi film yet because the two I’m doing in the US and the one I’m starting next year, are taking up my time.”

Chopra, who worked with SLB in ‘Bajirao Mastani’, added, “I’m a fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali in whatever he makes, I’ll always be his fan."