This Karan Johar’s blockbuster film was the one in which big actors like Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, and others denied working. Read to know the reason behind it.
In 2016, Karan Johar set out to create magic with Kapoor & Sons, a poignant tale of family dynamics. However, before the cast we know today came together, there were some twists and turns behind the scenes. When it came to casting the pivotal role of Rahul Kapoor, many big names in Bollywood hesitated. Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, and Aditya Roy Kapur were all approached but declined the opportunity to portray a homosexual character. It was a bold move for the time, and not everyone was ready to take that step.
Directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Karan under his banner Dharma Productions, Karan Johar’s Blockbuster Film Kapoor & Sons is one of the finest dysfunctional family dramas ever made in Bollywood. The film starred Rishi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rajat Kapoor in the leading roles.
Karan Johar asked many actors to play Rahul Kapoor’s role in the movie. But they turned down the role as they had to play a homosexual character. Confirming this in an interview with DNA he said, “I had offered Fawad’s part to six different actors and no one did it. No matter what reasons they gave, I felt they were afraid of playing a homosexual man on screen. They had a reason and I didn’t judge them for it.”
The film critic Rajeev Masand also named five actors who refused Kapoor & Sons. He wrote, “As many as half a dozen actors are believed to have turned down the role of the elder brother in Shakun Batra’s recent hit Kapoor & Sons. The makers of the film approached Fawad Khan. Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor. He said that some explicitly admitted that they didn’t want to play a character that happens to be gay, others reportedly cited different excuses.”
Fawaad In Kapoor & Sons
Farhan, who worked with Shakun earlier, got interested but didn’t feel right playing the older brother. The makers appreciated how honest he was about it. When they asked Fawad to take the role, he quickly nodded after reading the script. The most appreciable part was that he didn’t mind that the character was gay. Later, when there was talk of cutting that part for the Pakistan release, Fawad ensured they didn’t back out at the last moment.
Ultimately, Fawad Khan embraced the character of Rahul Kapoor in the film. He showed no reservations about portraying a homosexual character. His commitment to the character shone through in his performance, earning praise from both critics and audiences. The same year in 2016, the Pakistani actor was also seen in Karan Johar’s directorial Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which also featured Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Karan Johar’s upcoming film
Filmmaker Karan Johar has offered us many hit films. The latest production that will be out soon is “Ae Watan Mere Watan”. It is an upcoming film about Usha Mehta’s life during India’s fight for freedom in 1942. A story of a brave girl who starts a secret radio station to unite people. This leads to an exciting chase with the British during the Quit India movement. The movie is directed and partly written by Kannan Iyer. The star cast includes Sara Ali Khan, along with Anand Tiwari, Sachin Khedekar, Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastav, Alexx O’Nell, and Benedict Garrett. And Emraan Hashmi in a guest appearance.
In conclusion, we can say how fascinating it is to see the way the casting process unfolds, showcasing the challenges and triumphs behind the scenes of a blockbuster film. Fawad Khan’s portrayal of Rahul Kapoor will forever be remembered as a pivotal moment in Bollywood, breaking stereotypes and opening up new opportunities in the industry.
