Farhan Akhtar actually amused when he was presented ‘Rang De Basanti’: says Rakeysh Omprakash

Before Farhan Akhtar and filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra made box office history with the sports biography ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,’ the director offered the actor a significant role in his critically acclaimed play ‘Rang De Basanti.’

The 2006 film ‘Rang De Basanti,’ starring Aamir Khan, told the story of a group of college students who become rebels for a cause.

Mehra had given Akhtar the role of Karan Singhania, which was ultimately portrayed by Siddharth from the South.

The director remembered how Akhtar, who had made his directorial debut with Khan in 2001’s ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and was finalising ‘Lakshya’ at the time, was caught aback when he gave the project to the actor-filmmaker.

“He was genuinely amused since he had just completed ‘Lakshya’ and had just finished ‘Dil Chahta Hai.’ He couldn’t believe it when I told him I wanted him to be in my film at the time! “, remarked Mehra.

“I had offered him the role of Karan, which was the only character in the film that was supported by the author. Farhan was enthralled. His eyes twinkled, and I could see it. ‘What’s wrong with this person who is watching me act in a movie?!’ he pondered “Mehra went on to say.

According to the director, Akhtar liked the writing but “couldn’t envision himself acting at that time.”

Years later, in 2008, Akhtar made his acting debut with the musical drama “Rock On!!.” With Mehra’s ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,’ a biopic on the life of the late great athlete Milkha Singh, he had a career turnaround five years later.

Ganesh Acharya won two National Awards for his choreography in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,’ for most popular picture offering wholesome enjoyment and best choreography.

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