DYK This talented actor regrets rejecting Rajkummar Rao's role in Stree alongside Shraddha Kapoor?
Stree, released in 2018, quickly became one of the biggest and most beloved franchises in Bollywood, forever changing the lives and careers of its lead actors, Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. Rajkummar, known for his versatility, won the hearts of audiences with his portrayal of Vicky (or Bicky), a character brimming with innocence and playfulness. His charm captivated everyone, making it hard to imagine anyone else in the role. However, did you know that Rajkummar wasn't the first choice for this iconic role?
Yes, you read that right! For our entertainment news readers, here's a surprising fact: Vicky Kaushal, another immensely talented and versatile actor, was initially offered the lead role in Stree. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Vicky had to decline the offer, a decision he still regrets to this day.
In the past, in an interview with Vogue BFFs, Vicky Kaushal was asked to name a film he turned down but later regretted as it became a huge success. The Masaan actor candidly revealed, "Stree, that was because I was doing Manmarziyaan." In Anurag Kashyap's 2018 romantic drama Manmariyaan, Vicky starred with Abhishek Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu. Even though his performance was widely praised, the film failed to mint good numbers at the box office. However, Rajkummar Rao's Stree turned out to be one of the biggest hits of 2018.
As much as we love Rajkummar Rao as Vicky, it's intriguing to imagine how Vicky Kaushal might have approached the character. Additionally, the fresh pairing of Vicky Kaushal and Shraddha Kapoor would have undoubtedly been a treat for the audience.
Meanwhile, the sequel, Stree 2, which hit theatres on August 15, has been receiving immense praise from both critics and audiences. The film's box office numbers continue to soar, and it has been setting new records daily. As of the latest update, Stree 2 has earned over Rs 500 crore worldwide, solidifying its place as one of the biggest hits of 2024.
Watch a video on Stree 2
As for Vicky Kaushal, he continues to impress audiences with his performances. Last year, he left a mark with his roles in Sam Bahadur and Dunki. This year, he showcased his comedic side in Bad Newz, alongside Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk. Vicky's next project, Chhaava, in which he portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is directed by Laxman Utekar and is set to release in theaters on December 6. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what Vicky brings to this historical role.