Latest news with #Jaatakad
Economic Times
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
When Esha Deol was almost 'Basanti' in Rang De Basanti: Screenwriter reveals producers' bizarre misunderstanding
Agencies Screenwriter Kamlesh Pandey revealed that many Bollywood producers misunderstood Rang De Basanti as a Sholay remake from Basanti's perspective. Some even seriously asked who would play Basanti, prompting Pandey to jokingly name Esha Deol — and they believed him. Long before Rang De Basanti became the pop-culture juggernaut it is today, with Aamir Khan's DJ rallying a generation against corruption and injustice, the film was doing the rounds in tattered scripts and living out of screenwriter Kamlesh Pandey's bag for six long years. And in those years, it wasn't just a story that evolved — the imagination of Bollywood producers went absolutely rogue. Appearing on Ravya Sarda's YouTube show, Pandey unspooled the behind-the-scenes saga of Rang De Basanti — a story of missed chances, wrong guesses, and a colossal misunderstanding that might just make you spit out your chai. For starters, the role of DJ — eventually immortalised by Aamir Khan — wasn't originally meant for him at all. 'We had signed Manoj Bajpayee,' Pandey revealed, explaining that the initial vision was for a modestly budgeted film with strong performances. It was only when Aamir read the script and showed instant interest that things began to change. He not only jumped aboard but brought AR Rahman along with him. Suddenly, UTV — which had rejected the script twice — did a full U-turn and greenlit the film. Sometimes, all it takes is one Aamir and one perhaps the most hilariously bizarre detour came from producers who completely misunderstood the film's concept. 'They thought it was a Sholay remake from Basanti's point of view,' Pandey recalled, barely hiding his exasperation. And the moment you think this can't get any more absurd, it does. 'They would ask, 'Who's playing Basanti?' And I'd reply with a straight face, 'We're thinking of casting Esha Deol.' They would take it seriously!' Pandey said, laughing. 'I didn't know whether to slap them or ignore them.' Yes, you read that right. In some alternate universe, Rang De Basanti might have been a Basanti-centric drama starring Esha Deol — and no, Hema Malini was not involved. The story of casting mishaps doesn't end there. Randeep Hooda was originally considered for the role of Karan (Bhagat Singh), but he backed out. Why? On a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Hooda candidly confessed that he didn't want to 'play second fiddle to Aamir.' He also admitted his 'Jaat akad' lost him another major role in Rock On too. That role eventually went to Siddharth, who — alongside Sharman Joshi, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, and Atul Kulkarni — completed the now-iconic ensemble by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and buoyed by the sheer power of great music, bold writing, and a call for national awakening, Rang De Basanti became more than just a movie. It was a movement. But it also could have easily become a misunderstood Sholay spin-off about Basanti, starring Esha Deol, had producers had their way. Call it serendipity or survival of the fittest script — the film dodged a bullet and gave India one of its most defining cinematic moments. As Pandey puts it, with a mix of bemusement and disbelief, 'I used to say things with a straight face — but the stupidity was anything but straight.'
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Esha Deol was almost 'Basanti' in Rang De Basanti: Screenwriter reveals producers' bizarre misunderstanding
Long before Rang De Basanti became the pop-culture juggernaut it is today, with Aamir Khan 's DJ rallying a generation against corruption and injustice, the film was doing the rounds in tattered scripts and living out of screenwriter Kamlesh Pandey 's bag for six long years. And in those years, it wasn't just a story that evolved — the imagination of Bollywood producers went absolutely rogue. Appearing on Ravya Sarda's YouTube show, Pandey unspooled the behind-the-scenes saga of Rang De Basanti — a story of missed chances, wrong guesses, and a colossal misunderstanding that might just make you spit out your chai. Manoj Bajpayee as DJ? Yes. Aamir Khan? Eventually. For starters, the role of DJ — eventually immortalised by Aamir Khan — wasn't originally meant for him at all. 'We had signed Manoj Bajpayee,' Pandey revealed, explaining that the initial vision was for a modestly budgeted film with strong performances. It was only when Aamir read the script and showed instant interest that things began to change. He not only jumped aboard but brought AR Rahman along with him. Suddenly, UTV — which had rejected the script twice — did a full U-turn and greenlit the film. Sometimes, all it takes is one Aamir and one Rahman. From DJ to Basanti: A Producer's Wild Ride But perhaps the most hilariously bizarre detour came from producers who completely misunderstood the film's concept. 'They thought it was a Sholay remake from Basanti's point of view,' Pandey recalled, barely hiding his exasperation. And the moment you think this can't get any more absurd, it does. 'They would ask, 'Who's playing Basanti?' And I'd reply with a straight face, 'We're thinking of casting Esha Deol .' They would take it seriously!' Pandey said, laughing. 'I didn't know whether to slap them or ignore them.' You Might Also Like: Dharmendra claims Amitabh Bachchan was not first choice for 'Sholay', another iconic action-hero was slated to play Jai Yes, you read that right. In some alternate universe, Rang De Basanti might have been a Basanti-centric drama starring Esha Deol — and no, Hema Malini was not involved. Randeep Hooda's Regret The story of casting mishaps doesn't end there. Randeep Hooda was originally considered for the role of Karan (Bhagat Singh), but he backed out. Why? On a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Hooda candidly confessed that he didn't want to 'play second fiddle to Aamir.' He also admitted his 'Jaat akad' lost him another major role in Rock On too. That role eventually went to Siddharth, who — alongside Sharman Joshi, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, and Atul Kulkarni — completed the now-iconic ensemble cast. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and buoyed by the sheer power of great music, bold writing, and a call for national awakening, Rang De Basanti became more than just a movie. It was a movement. But it also could have easily become a misunderstood Sholay spin-off about Basanti, starring Esha Deol, had producers had their way. Call it serendipity or survival of the fittest script — the film dodged a bullet and gave India one of its most defining cinematic moments. As Pandey puts it, with a mix of bemusement and disbelief, 'I used to say things with a straight face — but the stupidity was anything but straight.' You Might Also Like: 'Jaat akad. I won't stand behind Aamir Khan': Why Randeep Hooda rejected 'Rang De Basanti'
Hindustan Times
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Randeep Hooda and his family meet PM Modi: ‘His pat on the back is great encouragement to keep doing good work'
Actor and filmmaker Randeep Hooda recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. He was accompanied by his mother, Asha Hooda, and sister, Dr Anjali Hooda. The meeting was a significant occasion, marked by a thoughtful discussion on the evolution of Indian cinema and the power of storytelling in shaping cultural and national identity. (Also Read | Randeep Hooda admits rejecting Rang De Basanti due to his 'Jaat akad': Won't stand behind Aamir Khan) Randeep shared his experience on social media, expressing his gratitude for the meeting. "It was a great honour and a privilege to meet the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri @narendramodi ji," he wrote. "His insight, wisdom, and thoughts on the future of our great country are always so inspiring. His pat on the back is a great encouragement to keep doing good work in our respective fields and contributing to the growth of our nation," he wrote in the caption. Randeep appreciated the Prime Minister's insight, wisdom, and thoughts on the future of India, which he found inspiring. During the meeting, Randeep and Prime Minister Modi discussed the global rise of Indian cinema and the power of authentic storytelling. A post shared by Randeep Hooda (@randeephooda) "We spoke about the global rise of Indian cinema, the power of authentic storytelling, and the government's visionary new OTT platform--WAVES--set to amplify Indian voices on the world stage. It was also a proud family moment to be joined by my mother, Asha Hooda and sister, Dr Anjali Hooda, who also exchanged thoughts with the PM on his initiatives of anti obesity drive and holistic wellness," the caption read. They also touched upon the government's visionary new OTT platform, WAVES, aimed at amplifying Indian voices on the world stage. Randeep highlighted the significance of this initiative, which aligns with his passion for promoting Indian cinema and culture. Randeep mentioned that the Prime Minister's pat on the back was a great encouragement to continue doing good work in their respective fields and contributing to the nation's growth. Randeep's mother and sister also participated in the meeting, exchanging thoughts with the Prime Minister on his initiatives, including anti-obesity drives and holistic wellness programs. Dr Anjali Hooda, Randeep's sister, also appreciated the opportunity to connect with the nation's leader and discuss issues close to their hearts. On the work front, Randeep was last seen in the movie Jaat that starred him alongside Sunny Deol.
