The 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa cemented Dhanush's place in Bollywood and remains a cult classic for its poignant love story and soul-stirring music. His portrayal of the obsessive yet endearing Kundan, deeply in love with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor), is etched in cinematic history. However, in a surprising turn of events that has resurfaced in recent industry talks, director Aanand L Rai has openly revealed that it was none other than Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor who was his initial pick for the lead role.

The Original Vision: Ranbir Kapoor as Kundan?

Aanand L Rai, known for his ability to craft unique and rooted narratives, recently shed light on the initial casting process for Raanjhanaa. He shared that after the success of Tanu Weds Manu, he and writer Himanshu Sharma were determined to tell the unconventional story of Raanjhanaa.

When envisioning the character of Kundan, a small-town Varanasi boy whose unwavering love for Zoya takes him on an extraordinary journey, Rai believed Ranbir Kapoor possessed a crucial quality. "An actor who keeps himself simple and lets himself blend into the crowd, which is a difficult thing, I believe, is Ranbir Kapoor," Rai stated in an interview. This ability to appear relatable and grounded, despite his star status, made Kapoor an ideal fit in Rai's mind.

The Reason for the Missed Opportunity: Scheduling Conflicts

So, why did we not see Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, who debuted together in Saawariya, reunite on screen for Raanjhanaa? The reason, as revealed by Aanand L Rai, was purely logistical: scheduling conflicts.

At the time, Ranbir Kapoor was unavailable due to prior commitments and a packed schedule. This unfortunate timing meant that despite Rai's desire to cast him, the opportunity couldn't materialize.

The Serendipitous Turn: Dhanush's Iconic Portrayal

With Ranbir Kapoor unavailable, Rai's search for his Kundan continued. It was then that the critically acclaimed South Indian superstar Dhanush entered the picture. Making his grand Bollywood debut with Raanjhanaa, Dhanush not only perfectly embodied the nuanced character of Kundan but delivered a performance that won him widespread critical acclaim and endeared him to a pan-Indian audience.

Dhanush's raw, intense, and vulnerable portrayal brought an authenticity to Kundan that many now consider irreplaceable. The film went on to become a commercial success, with AR Rahman's music becoming a timeless soundtrack, and its storyline sparking debates and discussions about love, obsession, and sacrifice.

A Look Back: The 'What If' of Bollywood Casting

The revelation about Ranbir Kapoor being the initial choice for Raanjhanaa offers a fascinating "what if" scenario in Bollywood. While Ranbir's talent is undeniable, it's hard to imagine Raanjhanaa without Dhanush's iconic performance, which truly became the soul of the film. This story underscores the unpredictable nature of casting and how sometimes, fate, or perhaps just a busy calendar, can lead to the most memorable cinematic outcomes. Dhanush's Raanjhanaa remains a testament to his prowess and Aanand L Rai's keen eye for talent, regardless of language barriers.

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