After Sushant Singh Rajput‘s demise, there has been much hue and cry about favouritism and nepotism in the industry. Amidst Karan Johar, Salman Khan, and the star kids, Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s name was also pulled up for allegedly boycotting Sushant. In fact, a case was filed against the Bajirao Mastaani director and the others as well. In much more recent news the director was called in for questioning at the police station regarding Sushant’s death. It was alleged that Sushant was considered for both Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani. The director revealed that he had in fact offered Sushant a film but the actor was unable to take it because he was working with Yash Raj Films on Shekar Kapur‘s Paani and he did not ask again.
Now a report in Bollywood Hungama suggests that SLB had not only offered Sushant a movie but also offered his then-girlfriend Ankita Lokhande a role too. A source close to the project of Bajirao Mastaani informed the portal that this was after Sushant had said no to the film. Mr. Bhansali had planned an elaborate lavni dance number with Ankita which was supposed to be a really prominent one in the film. But this didn’t work out.
Apparently, Sanjay sir wanted Ankita to sign a three-film deal with him and the actress refused to do so. But other than sign another actress to do the dance number, SLB decided to drop the song altogether after Ankita turned it down.