Before Alia Bhatt Sanjay Leela Bhansali Was Keen On Casting These Two Bollywood Actresses For Gangubai Kathiawadi

We have often heard of Bollywood stars walking in and out of movies they signed on for, yet Salman Khan’s exit from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Inshallah was a major shocker for fans anticipating the film. Lucky for Sanjay Leela Bhansali that he isn’t new to such issues with actors he has been keen on casting for his films have often let his films pass after they were signed on. It happened with Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ramleela, Bajirao Mastani and even his upcoming Gangubai Kathiawadi.

The film, like many others was a project in waiting as Sanjay Leela Bhansali was not able to cast for it till Alia Bhatt came on board for the part. According to Times Of India, the director was originally keen on casting Rani Mukerji for the part and after she let it pass he discussed it with Priyanka Chopra. A source was quoted by the publication saying, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Gangubai’ was initially to be made with Rani Mukerji in the lead. However, things didn’t work out with Rani and that’s when he decided to ask Priyanka Chopra while filming ‘Bajirao Mastani’. The project couldn’t take off as PeeCee was running on a tight schedule while also pursuing a career in Hollywood.”

After Salman bailed on Inshallah SLB used Alia’s already locked dates for the film to finally kick off Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film on Mumbai’s most powerful woman who had the biggest of criminals on her client list has been inspired by Husain Zaidi’s novel Mafia Queens Of Mumbai.