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Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hrithik Roshan was the first choice for Abhishek Bachchan's role in Bunty Aur Babli, reveals Shaad Ali: Hrithik pitched the film's ending
Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji 's hit film Bunty Aur Babli released 20 years ago, but not many know that Hrithik Roshan was originally approached to play the role of Bunty. Director Shaad Ali recently revealed that Hrithik was his 'first choice' for the role, and that the actor even influenced a key plot point in the film. Rakesh Roshan was keen, but Hrithik had 'reservations' In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Shaad shared that he spent several months discussing the project with Hrithik Roshan and his father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. 'We sat for a few months with him. Rakesh ji 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,' said Shaad, adding that Hrithik had certain 'reservations' about the role of a small-town conman. Hrithik pitched the film's new ending While Hrithik eventually opted out of the project, he contributed significantly behind the scenes. Shaad shared that it was Hrithik who came up with the idea for the film's now-iconic ending. '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.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pare a neuropatia: descubra como NeuroFit Undo In the original idea, the story ended once Bunty and Babli were let off and became law-abiding citizens,' he revealed. 'I should have thanked Hrithik in the credits,' Shaad added. Housefull 5 - Official Trailer Rani was always Babli, and the Bachchans added magic While Abhishek Bachchan eventually came on board, Rani Mukerji was always the first choice for Babli. The film also marked a special milestone in Hindi cinema as it was the first time Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek shared screen space. It remains the only film where Amitabh, Abhishek, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who would later marry Abhishek, appeared together. Even Jaya Bachchan , though not part of the cast, was thanked in the film's credits. Explaining why, Shaad said, '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.' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Hrithik Roshan was the first choice for Bunty Aur Babli, he ‘wasn't comfortable' playing a small town character, reveals director Shaad Ali
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. Also Read | Sandeep Reddy Vanga slams Deepika Padukone for playing 'dirty PR games', 'putting down a younger actor' after being replaced by Triptii Dimri | Controversy explained 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.'
News18
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Amitabh Bachchan Refused To Shoot Kajra Re With Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek: 'Nahi Chalega'
Last Updated: Director Shaad was confident that the song would be a chart-topper and convinced Amitabh Bachchan to give it a proper listen. Kajra Re is among the most iconic Bollywood songs of the 2000s, celebrated for its infectious energy and blend of traditional and modern music. Featured in the 2005 film Bunty Aur Babli, the song showcased a star-studded collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, and Abhishek Bachchan, creating a landmark moment in cinematic history. But did you know, Amitabh Bachchan was sceptical about featuring in the song and asked that it not be shot? In a recent conversation with SCREEN, director Shaad Ali recalled, 'I knew when I heard an eight-second riff of it… that this is going to work wonders… But Yash Raj had given it the last number… ki yeh sabse kam popular hoga (that this will be the least popular one). Amit ji ne kaha tha ki yeh gaana shoot hi mat karo (Amit Ji said don't even shoot this song)." However, Shaad was confident that the song would be a chart-topper and convinced Amitabh Bachchan to give it a proper listen. He said, 'Maine jab unhe bulaya tha sunne ke liye… toh he said ki yeh nahi chalega (When I called him to listen to it, he said it won't work)." Amitabh Bachchan felt that the song needed better creative input. 'He did all that jugalbandi in the song… all the portions from which it starts. I wanted him to sing that, but he said no and wanted Shankar Mahadevan to do it," Shaad shared. Although Amitabh Bachchan agreed to do the song, he had his reservations. Shaad recalled, 'Later, he was shooting a song for some film, maybe Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna or something else, I don't exactly remember, and said, 'Yeh hota hai item song (This is what an item song should be).' I was like, okay." However, the song became massively popular after the film's release, and Amitabh Bachchan apologised to Shaad for doubting his creativity. 'Tabhi Amit Ji ka mujhe message aaya ki, 'I'm sorry, I second guessed it' (That's when Amit Ji messaged me saying, 'I'm sorry, I second guessed it')," Shaad recalled. Aishwarya Rai sizzled in the item number, her dance and expressions making Kajra Re an instant hit. Her magnetic performance was matched by Abhishek Bachchan's cool swagger and Amitabh Bachchan's timeless screen presence. 'Kajra Re wouldn't have been what it is without him (Amitabh Bachchan)," Shaad concluded. First Published:
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shaad Ali reveals Amitabh Bachchan did not want to do ‘Kajra Re' song with Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan: 'Yeh gaana shoot hi mat karo'
One of Bollywood's most celebrated tracks of the 2000s, 'Kajra Re' from 'Bunty Aur Babli', was nearly shelved. The makers were initially sceptical about shooting the hit track, and even Amitabh Bachchan had second thoughts about it. Filmmaker Shaad Ali has now revealed how they eventually decided to shoot the song featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , and Abhishek Bachchan . Shaad Ali opens up about Amitabh Bachchan's initial doubt Aishwarya Rai dances to Kajra Re at Mumbai event In a conversation with The Indian Express, Shaad Ali opened up about the unexpected roadblocks the track encountered. He shared that the song was once viewed as the weakest link in the film's soundtrack. 'I knew when I heard an eight-second riff of it… that this is going to work wonders,' Shaad said. However, he revealed that Yash Raj Films had initially ranked the song as the least likely to succeed. Even Amitabh Bachchan, who later delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career in the song, was not initially on board. 'Amit ji ne kaha tha ki yeh gaana shoot hi mat karo,' Shaad recalled. The director remained firm in his belief and urged Amitabh to give the track a chance. Still, the legendary actor wasn't convinced after the first listen. When Shaad called him for the song, Amitabh said it wouldn't work. Amitabh Bachchan's felt the song is incomplete The 'Sholay' actor initially felt the song lacked a proper beginning and suggested it sounded incomplete. Shaad shared that Bachchan contributed to the musical segments at the start but declined to sing them himself, recommending Shankar Mahadevan instead. Over time, however, Bachchan gradually embraced the idea. Big B's reaction after 'Kajra Re' became a hit Shaad further recalled that Amitabh later made a passing comment during the shoot of another film, possibly Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, saying, 'Yeh hota hai item song.' At that point, Shaad simply took it in stride. When the song became a massive hit in the industry, Shaad recalled the moment he received an unexpected message from Bachchan: 'Tabhi Amit ji ka mujhe message aaya ki, 'I'm sorry, I second-guessed it'.' But Shaad believes the song wouldn't have been a hit without Big B and his infectious energy. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shaad Ali reveals Amitabh Bachchan was initially hesitant about ‘Kajra Re': ‘Yeh gaana shoot hi mat karo, yeh nahi chalega'
Long before 'Kajra Re' became a Bollywood juggernaut, lighting up dance floors and wedding playlists alike, it was almost never filmed. The now-iconic track from Bunty Aur Babli, which brought together Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aishwarya Rai on screen in a rare and electrifying combination, faced serious internal skepticism, particularly from Amitabh himself. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, director Shaad Ali revealed that the song, widely considered one of the most memorable item numbers in Hindi cinema, nearly didn't see the light of day. 'I knew when I heard an eight-second riff of it… that this is going to work wonders,' Shaad recalled. 'But Yash Raj had given it the last number… ki yeh sabse kam popular hoga (that this will be the least popular one). Amit ji ne kaha tha ki yeh gaana shoot hi mat karo (Amit Ji said don't even shoot this song).' Shaad, however, remained convinced of its potential. He described how internal doubts loomed even as he brought Amitabh in to listen to the track. 'Maine jab unhe bulaya tha sunne ke liye… toh he said ki yeh nahi chalega (When I called him to listen to it, he said it won't work).' Also Read | Vaibhavi Merchant says Amitabh was 'encouraging' while shooting Kajra Re with Aishwarya, Abhishek; asking Gulzar to simplify lyrics The director also revealed that Amitabh Bachchan had specific creative feedback, believing the song sounded like it started mid-way through and needed reworking. 'He did all that jugalbandi in the song… all the portions from which it starts. I wanted him to sing that, but he said no and wanted Shankar Mahadevan to do it,' Shaad shared. Despite his reservations, Amitabh eventually came around, but not before another twist in the tale. 'Later, he was shooting a song for some film, maybe Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna or something else, I don't exactly remember, and said, 'Yeh hota hai item song (This is what an item song should be).' I was like, okay.' The song's popularity only grew after release, with performances at countless events and widespread public adoration. Its status was solidified when a television channel dubbed it 'the song of the decade.' 'Tabhi Amit Ji ka mujhe message aaya ki, 'I'm sorry, I second guessed it' (That's when Amit Ji messaged me saying, 'I'm sorry, I second guessed it'),' Shaad recounted. But while the song's rise to cult status is now cemented in pop culture history, the filmmaker remains clear-eyed about what made it truly iconic. 'Kajra Re wouldn't have been what it is without him,' he concluded.
