Zero: Did you know Shah Rukh Khan wanted to play Babita, Anushka Sharma hoped to portray Bauaa, and Katrina Kaif was eyeing Aafia?

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As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for the nuances of Bollywood, I must say that the tale of Zero’s cast swapping desires is as intriguing as the film itself. The revelation that Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma all coveted each other’s roles speaks volumes about their versatility and passion for their craft.

In 2018, Aanand L Rai’s film Zero was an incredibly challenging endeavor for Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma. They took on roles that many didn’t expect them to, and even though the movie didn’t do well commercially, their performances were met with thunderous applause. Interestingly, it was the actors themselves who originally wanted to portray each other’s characters in the film.

For those not familiar, the script for the movie “Zero” went through significant transformations since its initial draft, including changes to its title and character portrayals of all the involved actors. During the promotional phase, Anushka Sharma posted a video showcasing the entire cast and director discussing the film while pledging to always speak truthfully.

During this particular segment, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his fondness for the character Babita Kumari played by Katrina, stating he aspired to be in a similar position – surrounded by adoring crowds and adorning costly attire. Later, it was revealed that Katrina had not only wished to portray the role of Afia, but also shed tears in front of Aanand to secure this part.

Anushka also mentioned that she aspired to portray the character Bauaa (played by SRK) due to his engaging interactions with his family and friends. Later, during an interview with Midday, Katrina Kaif expressed, “After listening to the narration, I immediately asked, ‘may I take on this role?’ To which he replied, ‘I’m afraid it’s already been decided.’ I believe he actually said, ‘We’ve considered someone for it.’

I can hardly contain my excitement as I share this incredible revelation: Katrina, in her unwavering devotion to embody Aafia, took the initiative and recorded an audition video for the character. With a burning passion, she presented it to Aanand L Rai himself on his laptop. To my astonishment, he didn’t just watch it, but showed genuine interest in her effort; expressing, “I am deeply moved by your dedication. Give me a few days to consider.” This small glimmer of hope left me breathless with anticipation!

Unfortunately, Rai held a distinct perspective for the film, and each actor found themselves playing roles they hadn’t initially desired. Remarkably, however, they excelled in their parts beyond expectation. This filmmaker truly showcased his innovative spirit through his casting decisions.

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2024-09-14 13:08