Not Ranveer Singh, THIS actor was the first choice for Band Baaja Baaraat opposite Anushka Sharma

Ranveer Singh made his big Bollywood debut with Yash Raj Films' romantic drama Band Baaja Baarat (2010). Upon release, the film received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its novel screenplay, soundtrack and actors' performances. Cut to 2023, the actor is now the highest-paid actor with numerous hits in his name. However, do you know, Ranveer was not the first choice for the role of Bittoo Sharma?

Who was the first choice for Bittoo Sharma in Band Baaja Baarat?

Yes, instead of Ranveer, Bittoo's role was first offered to Ranbir Kapoor, who made his debut in 2007 with Sanjay Leela Bhansli's directorial Saawariya. However, the actor turned down the offer for a reason better known to him and it went to Ranveer. Earlier, in an interview with PTI, the Lootera actor recalled how he bagged his debut. He said, "Ranbir Kapoor said no to Band Baaja Baraat. YRF was looking for a new face I got a call and I knew this was the opportunity I was waiting for."

"I kept my face safe and didn’t do modeling or music videos. And then I got a massive launch, essentially for an ‘outsider’, opposite a reasonably recognisable star Anushka Sharma," he added.

More about Band Baaja Baarat

Helmed by Maneesh Sharma, and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films, the audience praised the chemistry of Ranveer and Anushka in the film. The film won several awards and was remade in Tamil titled Aaha Kalyanam also produced by Aditya Chopra. The film starred Nani and Vaani Kapoor in the lead roles and released on February 21, 2014.

Since his debut, Ranveer has given many hits including Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Ram-Leela, among others. This year, the actor was seen in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani which collected over Rs 300 crore worldwide. Next, he will be seen as a Don in Farhan Akhtar's directorial Don 3.