Not Alia Bhatt, this actress was the first choice for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, later it was offered to… her name is…
Did you know Alia Bhatt was not the first choice for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi? Then who were the preferred ones?

When Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi released in 2022, it became a huge sensation in theatres and went on to become a blockbuster. The powerful performance of Alia Bhatt surprised everyone. Even today, people continue to remember her iconic portrayal of Gangubai, a role that earned her not only immense love but also a National Award. But did you know Alia wasn’t the first choice for this film? Yes, you read that right. It was not Alia but two other actresses who were the preferred choice.
A Blockbuster That Shook 2022
The 2022 blockbuster, whose story sent shivers down people’s spines, featured a beautiful, young actress who stunned not only the makers but also fans with her performance. Even today, people haven’t forgotten her performance.
Gangubai Kathiawadi and Alia Bhatt’s Recognition
That blockbuster film of 2022 is Gangubai Kathiawadi. Alia Bhatt further cemented her identity through this film. The actress also received a National Award for the film. She has already received numerous accolades for this film.
Alia Bhatt Was Not the First Choice
It’s a different matter that Alia Bhatt was never the first choice for Gangubai Kathiawadi. Rani Mukerji was the first choice for the film, but she couldn’t be a part of it.
Rani Mukerji Was the Preferred Choice
People will likely never forget Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi. Alia Bhatt’s performance in the film, in particular, has remained etched in people’s minds. Rani Mukerji was the original choice for this film. Since she had previously worked with him in several films, she was chosen for this film as well.
Why Rani Mukerji Lost the Film?
Therefore, Gangubai Kathiawadi was the plan for Rani Mukerji’s third film. However, the two couldn’t reach an agreement on the project. Thus, Rani lost this blockbuster film. After Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra was considered for the film, as she had also appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani. However, she was not finalized for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Why the Role Went to Alia Bhatt?
Priyanka was busy in Hollywood at the time. Later, the film went to Alia Bhatt. Casting Alia Bhatt as Gangubai Kathiawadi proved to be a perfect fit. She made history as Gangu.
Ajay Devgn’s Cameo Appearance
It’s worth noting that superstar Ajay Devgan also made a cameo in this film. In his films, other actors’ reputations are often overshadowed by his performance. But even Ajay Devgan’s role in the film paled in comparison to Gangubai’s performance.
What started as a dream project for Rani Mukerji was later offered to Priyanka Chopra, and it eventually became a pivotal moment in Alia Bhatt’s filmography. With Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia not only proved her acting prowess but also carved her place among the finest actors in India(BHARAT)n cinema. Today, it’s hard to see anyone else as Gangubai, except Alia Bhatt; that’s the mark of a historic performance.
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