Ranbir Kapoor Was The Original Choice For Raanjhanaa, Not Dhanush; Here's Why He Didn't Do It

News18

2 days ago

Aanand L Rai once revealed that he first approached Ranbir Kapoor—not Dhanush—for Raanjhanaa. Here's why the actor turned it down and how Dhanush got the role.
When Raanjhanaa released in 2013, it didn't just become another love story—it became a cult classic. Starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, the film captured hearts with its raw emotions, complex characters, and stirring music. Over a decade later, Raanjhanaa continues to be one of Bollywood's most beloved tragic romances. But here's a lesser-known twist in its story—Ranbir Kapoor was originally the first choice to play Kundan.
In an old interview with Bollywood Hungama, director Aanand L Rai opened up about the film's genesis and casting. Coming off the success of Tanu Weds Manu, Rai revealed that he was tempted to make a sequel but instead followed his heart and chose to tell a deeper, more heartfelt story—Raanjhanaa.
Reflecting on the casting process, Aanand L Rai revealed that he initially approached Ranbir Kapoor for the role of Kundan. 'An actor who keeps himself simple and lets himself blend into the crowd, which is a difficult thing, I believe, is Ranbir Kapoor," he said. 'But he was not available at that time. As we were searching for such an actor, we found Dhanush."
It's hard to imagine anyone else but Dhanush as Kundan—the naive yet intense lover from Benaras whose life revolved around his childhood love Zoya. Dhanush didn't just play the character; he embodied it so naturally that it's now impossible to separate the actor from the role. Ranbir, no doubt, would have brought a different charm, but Raanjhanaa as we know it today simply wouldn't be the same.
Had Ranbir taken the role, the film would have marked his second collaboration with Sonam Kapoor after their 2007 debut Saawariya. But destiny had different plans—and the rest, as they say, is cinematic history.
Dhanush and Aanand L Rai Reunite for Tere Ishk Mein
Good news for Raanjhanaa fans—director Aanand L Rai and Dhanush are reuniting for another intense love story titled Tere Ishk Mein. The film, set in the same emotional universe as Raanjhanaa, has already generated buzz with its teaser. This time, Kriti Sanon plays the female lead.
Penned by Himanshu Sharma and backed by the musical genius of A.R. Rahman, the film promises a powerful soundtrack with lyrics by Irshad Kamil. With a blend of romance and action, Tere Ishk Mein is all set to release in cinemas on November 28, 2025.
For fans of love stories with emotional weight and unforgettable characters, Tere Ishk Mein may just be the next chapter in a legacy that began with Raanjhana
First Published:
July 28, 2025, 16:24 IST
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