Hrithik Roshan was the first choice for Bunty Aur Babli, he ‘wasn't comfortable' playing a small town character, reveals director Shaad Ali

Indian Express

27-05-2025

Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji-starrer Bunty Aur Babli released in theatres 20 years ago and it continues to be one of the most loved films starring the duo. But, way before Abhishek was signed for the film, director Shaad Ali wanted Hrithik Roshan to star as Bunty but the Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai actor wasn't too keen to present himself in the role of a con man from a small town. In a recent interview, Shaad shared that Hrithik's father Rakesh Roshan was very keen for him to do the role. So much so that in the many months of their back and forth, Hrithik suggested the ending of the film to be changed, and Shaad eventually went with Hrithik's suggestion.
In a chat with Bollywood Hungama, Shaad shared that Hrithik 'was our first choice.' He added, 'We sat for a few months with him. Rakesh ji (Rakesh Roshan) liked the script a lot and he was keen that Hrithik should sign the film. But Hrithik was not very comfortable going into the small town zone at that time.' Shaad shared that Hrithik had 'reservations' about the same.
But, even though Hrithik Roshan did not do the film, he contributed significantly to how the film eventually shaped up. 'He did have a lot of ideas for the film. In fact, it was Hrithik's idea that Bunty and Babli should return to conning in the last scene. He reasoned, 'They are like Superman! They can't go back to their lives and not return ever in the con world.' In the original idea, the story ended once Bunty and Babli were let off and they become law-abiding citizens. I should have thanked Hrithik in the credits,' he shared. While Abhishek entered the picture later, Rani was always his first choice for Babli.
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This was the first film where Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan starred together, and it also became the only film where Amitabh, Abhishek, and his future-wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan were seen together. Not just that, even Jaya Bachchan was thanked in the credits of the film. Shaad explained the reason behind the same and shared, 'That was the time when the Uttar Pradesh Film Board had just been established. Jaya ji and Amar Singh were a part of it. This was the first film which was majorly shot in the state. We didn't get any subsidy but we were assured of complete administrative help.'