In a stunning revelation that's sending shockwaves through Bollywood circles, bestselling author Chetan Bhagat has disclosed that cinematic royalty Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were initially considered for the lead roles in the hit film adaptation of his novel "2 States".
The author, whose book formed the foundation of the 2014 romantic drama, shared fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the casting process that nearly created a very different version of the beloved movie.
The Original Dream Cast That Never Was
During a recent interview, Bhagat dropped the bombshell that producers initially envisioned none other than Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra as the cross-cultural couple Krish and Ananya. This superstar pairing would have dramatically altered the film's dynamics, given their established chemistry and massive fan following.
"Initially, they were considering Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra for the film," Bhagat revealed, adding intrigue to what might have been one of Bollywood's most anticipated pairings.
Author's Reservations About Final Casting
In perhaps the most surprising admission, Bhagat confessed he wasn't entirely convinced about the eventual casting of Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor, who ultimately brought the characters to life on screen.
"I wasn't very convinced about the casting of Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor," the author stated frankly, though he acknowledged that the young actors eventually won him over with their performances.
The 2014 film, directed by Abhishek Varman, went on to become a commercial success, grossing over ₹1.4 billion worldwide and establishing itself as one of the better book-to-film adaptations in recent Bollywood history.
From Page to Screen: A Successful Transition
Despite his initial reservations about the casting, Bhagat praised the final product, noting that both Alia and Arjun grew into their roles and delivered performances that resonated with audiences.
"2 States" tells the story of a Punjabi boy and a Tamilian girl who fall in love at IIM Ahmedabad and must navigate cultural differences and family expectations to make their relationship work.
The film's success cemented Alia Bhatt's position as one of Bollywood's most promising young talents and gave Arjun Kapoor one of his most memorable roles to date.
This revelation adds another fascinating layer to Bollywood's casting history, reminding fans that some of their favorite films could have looked very different with alternative casting choices.
