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Dhanush revealed that Aanand L Rai was determined to cast him as Kundan despite budget constraints, and even invested his own money to make it happen.
News18
Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor’s 2013 film ‘Raanjhanaa’ recently completed 12 years. To celebrate its 12th anniversary, the makers held a fan screening on June 18, which was also attended by the film’s team – actors Dhanush and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, then-child-actor Naman Jain, director Aanand L Rai, writer Himanshu Sharma and lyricist Irshad Kamil. During the event, Dhanush shared that there wasn’t enough budget to cast him as the lead actor, but Aanand L Rai was determined to cast him as Kundan, and even invested his own money to make it happen. He shared that the responsibility he felt for Ranjhanaa’s success was overwhelming.
During the event, Dhanush shared that ‘Raanjhanaa’ is a story driven by the passion of two determined individuals- director Aanand L Rai and writer Himanshu Sharma. “They had made a film before – Tanu Weds Manu (2011). They believed in something that was close to impossible. At that time, they didn’t have the right kind of budget for hiring me as the lead actor. But this man’s (Aanand L Rai) passion was so strong that he just wanted me to play Kundan. He could have offered any actor this part and they would have happily come on board. After all, it’s such a great part. But he went against all odds. I don’t know I am supposed to say this and I don’t care! He invested his own money as well. He went all out (to cast me). He saw Kundan in me and he stayed true to his vision,” he said.
Dhanush said that he was initially hesitant due to the language barrier, although he was captivated by the part. “They made a cult classic. It is not the story of Kundan and Zoya. It is the story of two mad men who believed in this,” said the actor.
Reflecting on the film’s release, Dhanush expressed his gratitude for the film’s success, admitting he was more ‘scared’ for this film, than ever before. “I was not scared during my first film. When I was written off, I was not scared. That’s how I am. But for the first time, I was scared. I felt responsible. So, I was praying so hard to God that ‘Somehow save this man’,” he shared.
Raanjhanaa was released in theatres on 21st June, 2013. The film carved a special place in Indian cinema as one of its most soul-stirring love stories.
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