Ranbir Kapoor’s unexpected entry into Bollywood is now making headlines as fresh details emerge about the casting choices for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2007 film Saawariya. In a startling revelation, actor Prateik Smita Patil confirmed that he was initially considered for the leading role in the film, which ultimately launched Ranbir Kapoor’s career. Prateik, then just 18 years old and undergoing rehabilitation for drug addiction, was unable to accept the life-changing opportunity, leaving the path open for Ranbir Kapoor’s debut.
Sharing his experience, Prateik stated,
“It’s true, I was 18 years old, I was in rehab, and Mr. Bhansali called at my landline. I was in rehab at that time. He wasn’t aware; he wasn’t aware of how old I was too.”
Prateik went on to explain that he only learned about the missed call years later, when his grandfather informed him that Sanjay Leela Bhansali had tried to reach him while he was hospitalized. Despite reflecting on the regret, Prateik added,
“The bigger picture happens so no regrets, and it has made me who I am today and has shaped me and moulded me.”
The romantic film Saawariya centers on Raj, a compassionate artist portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, who falls in love with Sakina, a mysterious woman waiting for her lost love. The film marked the debut of both Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. Produced and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s 1848 short story White Nights, the film became notable for its lavish production and emotional intensity.
This revelation about Ranbir Kapoor’s Saawariya casting original choice has reignited conversations in the industry about the unpredictable nature of opportunity and fate. While Saawariya became a milestone in Ranbir Kapoor’s journey, Prateik’s candid account adds a layer of poignancy to the story, highlighting how pivotal decisions and unexpected circumstances can shape destinies. As both actors continue to build their legacies, this casting story serves as a powerful reminder of the uncertain paths behind every stardom.
