Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's film Rang De Basanti achieved significant success and continues to be cherished by audiences. The director had previously considered Randeep Hooda for the role of Bhagat Singh. However, in a conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, Randeep disclosed that he turned down the opportunity due to his own arrogance.

Randeep Hooda on rejecting Rang De Basanti

When questioned about whether his arrogance had ever caused him to miss out on film opportunities, Randeep Hooda shared that he had declined the role in Rang De Basanti, stating, “Had I taken that film, I would have been in a different league.” He was offered the part of Bhagat Singh and had auditioned successfully, receiving positive feedback. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra would occasionally approach him, sometimes under the influence, urging him to accept the role.

Randeep confessed that he had a desire to participate in the film; however, at that time, he was only acquainted with two individuals in the industry: his then-girlfriend and director Ram Gopal Varma. His girlfriend showed little enthusiasm and advised him against accepting a minor role.

He recounted, “RGV mentioned, ‘I’m considering casting you in the lead role in D, and you want to be positioned behind Aamir on the poster?’ My Jaat pride flared up, and I responded, ‘I refuse to stand behind Aamir.’ This incident also led me to turn down Rock On for similar reasons. I have consistently collaborated with filmmakers and producers who are somewhat outside the mainstream, which may explain the slower pace of my career progression. I used to believe that my talent alone was sufficient and that skill was paramount, but I have come to realize that this is not entirely true.”

About Rang De Basanti

The socio-political coming-of-age drama was crafted by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who took on the roles of writer, producer, and director. The film boasted a talented ensemble cast that included Aamir Khan, Siddharth (marking his debut in Hindi cinema), Atul Kulkarni, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, British actress Alice Patten (also making her Hindi debut), Waheeda Rehman, and Soha Ali Khan.

The narrative centers around a British film student who travels to India to document the stories of five freedom fighters from the Indian revolutionary movement. During her journey, she forms friendships with five young men, casting them in her project, which motivates them to confront the injustices perpetrated by their own government. Rang De Basanti received the National Film Award for Best Popular Film and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2007 BAFTA Awards. Additionally, it was selected as India's official submission for both the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards in the same category.

Randeep Hooda’s recent work

Randeep is presently featured in the action thriller Jaat, which is directed by Gopichand Malineni. The film includes performances by Sunny Deol and Regina Cassandra, as well as supporting roles from Saiyami Kher, Jagapathi Babu, Ramya Krishnan, and Vineet Kumar Singh. His depiction of a villainous role has garnered acclaim.

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