It hasn’t been the first time that Bollywood celebs have walked out from films after signing the dotted line. That being said, it was a shocker when fans woke up to the news of Parineeti Chopra replacing Shraddha Kapoor in ace shuttler Saina Nehwal’s biopic.
According to reports, Shraddha had already started the movie, after completing the strenuous prep. The makers had also revealed her first look. However, due to other commitments such as Street Dancer 3D, Saaho and now Chhichhore, the actress pulled out from the film after a mutual discussion and everyone’s consent.
Earlier too, several actors and actresses have opted out of major films. Here’s our quick rundown on the major replacements that you may have not known.
Priyanka Chopra- Bharat
Fans were excited to see Priyanka’s Bollywood comeback after a long time and her collaboration with Salman Khan onscreen. However, to much disappointment the actress walked out due to her engagement and wedding with Nick Jonas. Chopra was replaced by Katrina Kaif and the film is about to hit the theatres this Eid.
Sushant Singh Rajput – Romeo Akbar Walter
The makers of Romeo Akbar Walter aka RAW recently released the trailer that features John Abraham and Mouni Roy in lead roles. However, the film was initially to be done by Sushant Singh Rajput, who walked out due to lack of dates. The news was confirmed in Mid-Day stating, “Unfortunately, I will not be part of Romeo Akbar Walter due to changes in my prior commitments. I wanted to be part of the project because I love the story, and believe it must be told, but, that will not happen.”
Kriti Sanon – Lucknow Central
Kriti Sanon who is now basking in the success of her latest flick Lukka Chuppi opposite Kartik Aaryan was once upon a time signed for Lucknow Central with Farhan Akhtar. However, the filming of the flick got delayed at Sanon had already signed for other projects, hence she had no option left but to walk out.
Kareena Kapoor Khan – Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela, Kaho Na Pyaar Hai
If you think once bitten twice shy applies here, well think again because this is the ultimate diva we’re talking about. Kareena not once but twice has opted out of a signed film. Her first (considered to be a debut), Kaho Na Pyaar Hai with Hrithik Roshan was called off as she was insecure of being overshadowed by her co-star’s limelight. More than a decade later, Bebo did it again with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela. Just ten days before the shoot could start, Kareena stepped out with the reason of being uncomfortable with the no pregnancy clause in the contract.
Rekha-Fitoor
The veteran actress was the original begum in Shekhar Kapur’s Fitoor who was later essayed by Tabu. The Pardesiya diva had even shot for the most part of the film in Kashmir. Her reason for opting out was stated as being unhappy with her look and character shaping up in the celluloid.
Abhishek Bachchan – Paltan
The J.P. Dutta directorial war drama was all set with a hefty multi-starrer cast. However, the Junior Bachchan abruptly walked out of the film leaving everyone stunned. It was reported that the actor was unhappy with his screen time in the film. He was replaced by Harshvardhan Rane.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan- Chalte Chalte, Heroine
Former Miss World and global beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was at the peak of her career when she was working in Chalte Chalte (2003) alongside Shah Rukh Khan. However, when her then boyfriend Salman Khan came to the sets and created a scene, she was replaced by Rani Mukerji. Fast forward, the actress was roped in by director Madhur Bhandarkar for Heroine but let go of her when the team learned that Ash was four months pregnant. She was replaced by Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Sonu Sood- Manikarnika-The Queen of Jhansi
The said film has dipped into all bowls of controversy from the start, all the way till its release and thereafter thanks to Kangana Ranaut. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sonu recently revealed said that he never had problem of working under a female director as he has worked with Farah Khan in Happy New Year. “That was not my statement. I never said that I don’t want to work with a female director because I have already done a movie with a female director (Farah Khan, Happy New Year). I only said I can’t be working with two directors on one set.”
Sridevi- Baahubali
The late actress was the first choice of SS Rajamouli to play the Mahishmati queen Shivagami, but the actress quoted a massive charge of Rs. 6 crore, which was out of the makers’ budget back then. However, actress Ramya Krishna on the other hand did the role for just Rs. 2.5 crore and the rest is history.
Smriti Irani – All Is Well
The now Union Minister, was roped in by All Is Well director Umesh Shukla for the role of Supriya Pathak (who eventually took it). However, due to political commitments, the makers decided to let go of her.
