Bollywood is no stranger to casting twists and turns, and one such reel-life rollercoaster ride was the casting shuffle in Zoya Akhtar’s family drama, ‘Dil Dhadakne Do.’ While the film ultimately won hearts with its ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Anushka Sharma, and Farhan Akhtar, it turns out that the lead roles could have been quite different. Picture this: Ranbir Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan, two powerhouse performers from the Kapoor khandaan, were initially in the frame to essay the characters that eventually went to Ranveer and Priyanka. Now, grab your popcorn as we delve into why these Kapoor siblings bid adieu to the DDD ship, leaving fans wondering “What if?”
Ranbir Kapoor, known for his versatility and charm on-screen, was set to step into the shoes of the charming yet conflicted Kabir Mehra, portrayed by Ranveer Singh. With dates not aligning as seamlessly as a Bollywood dance sequence, Ranbir had to gracefully bow out of the project, much to the dismay of his fans. But wait, the drama doesn’t end there! Enter Kareena Kapoor Khan, the epitome of grace and poise, who was all set to grace the screen as Ayesha Mehra, the elegant yet assertive character eventually brought to life by Priyanka Chopra. Kareena, driven by the desire to collaborate with her cousin Ranbir, chose to bid farewell to ‘Dil Dhadakne Do,’ considering it her loss in the game of reel-life chess. In a world where Bollywood buzzes with rumours and speculations, the revelation of Ranbir and Kareena’s almost-starring roles in ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ sent shockwaves through the tinsel town.
Check out the trailer of the iconic film below…
Alas, we’ll never know the answers to these tantalizing questions, but one thing’s for sure: ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ remains a timeless gem in Bollywood’s treasure trove, serving up familial drama, love on the high seas, and a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been if the Kapoors had embarked on this cinematic voyage.