No one believed in Priyanka Chopra: Director Sunil Darshan on Andaz Casting
Filmmaker Sunil Darshan shared special insight on casting options behind the 2003 hit ‘Endaz’, which introduced Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra in Bollywood. The film’s latest pair and Akshay Kumar’s support played an important role in their success.
In short
- ‘Andaz’ launched Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra in 2003
- Lara caught Darshan’s eyes after her filmfare shoot
- Priyanka impressed Darshan with eyes and voice, compared Rakha
When ‘Endaz’ was released in 2003, it not only became a box office hit, but also marked the Bollywood debut of two beauty quins – Miss Universe Lara Dutta and Miss World Priyanka Chopra. Now, after more than two decades, director Sunil Darshan is highlighting unexpected casting decisions, which helped launch the career of both actors.
In a special conversation with India today, Darshan revealed, “They were not in the film. When the film was planned, it was only Akshay Kumar in it. He was part of everything that was happening.”
Darshan explained that, initially, she had imagined the stars installed for the female lead. “It was an foreground conclusion that either Karisma Kapoor or Kareena Kapoor played one of the lead. Then, there was another big female star who wanted to be a part of the film – I would not name her,” he said.
“But I felt that there is no freshness as a proposal. I said that I need to do something about it,” he continued. He said, “There was little difference on some issues with one of them. Also, I felt that they were not praising each other in the film. So, I had to find two girls who could praise each other,” he said he said that he told about his choice.
How Lara Dutta played the role
Speaking about how Lara Dutta came on the board, Darshan said, “Destiny played her game. Lara was known. She had shot a photo with Akshay Kumar for a filmfare cover, and I saw. I said, ‘It was interesting.’ So, I called for him.
She continued, “The next morning, she was in the city and we spoke. She was more happy than being a part of cinema because she really did the video before that – which I did not know at that time.
Priyanka Chopra – ‘This is Rekha is coming back’
Darshan said how Priyanka Chopra came in the picture. “The second lead was to be a person who could match Lara.
“My system is – when a newcomer comes in, I meet him. That day, it was Prakash Jiju, who was the secretary of Priyanka Chopra. She was Miss World,” she said.
Initially, Darshan admitted that he was not particularly affected. “My first response was not wow. But later, he prepared himself – is the correct word developed. In fifteen minutes conversation, I saw his eyes and said to myself, ‘Iski aankhein kaamal hai, aur iski awaaz rekha ki yaad dilati hai,
He said, “That day I was sure – this line was coming back. I already knew Rekha ji. But apart from me, no one in the film was seen whether or belief. He was more helpful of Lara and her personality. Priyanka was a different ball game.
‘Akshay Kumar was assistant’
Talking about Akshay Kumar’s response to casting, Darshan said, “Akshay’s reactions for all his heroines have always been very pleasant and humble. He never said,” No, I don’t want to work with anyone. ” Never.
Was Priyanka and Lara friends on the set?
During his equation during the shoot, Darshan commented, “He was Punjabi KudisWhatever competition between them was, it felt like an all-Punjabi crew on the set-Akshay talked about Punjabi, Lara was talking about Punjabi, Priyanka Punjabi. It was quite fun, but this was the way. ,
He added, “They were friends. Lara, Priyanka, Bipasha, Celina – five or six of them had come around the same time.
