Bollywood is full of surprises, and casting stories often have the most interesting twists. One such revelation recently shocked fans of Gangubai Kathiawadi. While Alia Bhatt is celebrated for her award-winning role, it turns out she wasn’t Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first choice. The filmmaker had someone else in mind — the powerhouse actress Rani Mukerji. This revelation has left fans curious about how different the film might have been.
Alia Bhatt’s Stellar Gangubai Act
Alia Bhatt completely owned the screen in Gangubai Kathiawadi. Her fiery performance as Gangubai won hearts worldwide, earning her the National Award at the 69th National Film Awards. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus grossed over ₹211.5 crore worldwide, proving to be both a critical and commercial hit. Her powerful dialogues, intense expressions, and commanding screen presence turned Gangubai into one of the most iconic roles of her career. It’s safe to say, Alia redefined female-led cinema with this unforgettable act.
The Surprising First Choice
While Alia is now synonymous with Gangubai, she wasn’t the first name on the list. Singer and actor Aditya Narayan revealed in a candid chat that Sanjay Leela Bhansali had initially considered Rani Mukerji for the role. At that time, Bhansali was juggling two scripts — Ram-Leela and Gangubai Kathiawadi. According to Aditya, the director seemed inclined toward making Gangubai with Rani in the lead. This unexpected revelation has sparked fresh discussions about how Rani’s grace and intensity could have shaped the film differently. Fans can’t help but imagine a whole new version of Gangubai.
Aditya Narayan’s Candid Revelation
Aditya Narayan, who once assisted Bhansali, recalled how Sonu Nigam encouraged him to learn filmmaking from the master director. During his stint, Bhansali shared both scripts with his team for feedback. Aditya admitted he preferred Ram-Leela back then, never imagining Gangubai Kathiawadi would later become such a landmark film for Alia Bhatt. He also revealed how Bhansali initially didn’t give him any work, testing his patience before finally letting him in on the creative process. These behind-the-scenes moments add a fascinating layer to the film’s journey.
The Legacy of Gangubai Kathiawadi
Based on Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film follows Gangubai’s rise from Kamathipura to power and respect. With memorable performances by Ajay Devgn, Vijay Raaz, Jim Sarbh, and Seema Pahwa, the movie not only celebrated strong storytelling but also redefined Alia Bhatt’s career. Beyond box-office numbers, the film became a cultural moment, sparking conversations about women’s power and resilience. Even today, Alia’s dialogues and white-sari look remain etched in popular culture. While it’s hard to picture anyone else now, fans still wonder how Rani Mukerji might have brought her own magic to the role.
