In a fascinating turn of events in Bollywood’s dynamic casting landscape, acclaimed actor Aamir Khan was reported to have been deeply interested in a role that ultimately went to Ravi Kishan in the upcoming Kiran Rao directorial, ‘Laapataa Ladies’. The revelation that Aamir Khan auditioned for the same part adds a layer of intrigue to the much-anticipated film.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ marks a notable return to the director’s chair for Kiran Rao after a hiatus of 13 years, delving into a comedy-drama narrative that introduces a host of new talent. The movie, which is co-produced by Rao’s ex-husband Aamir Khan, boasts an ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan in pivotal roles.
Recently, Kiran Rao shared an insight that rippled through the industry with mild shock and curiosity: Aamir Khan had been keen to essay the character of Manohar, which was ultimately portrayed by Ravi Kishan. It has been said that after reviewing Kishan’s audition, both Aamir and Kiran were unanimous in their opinion that he was the perfect fit for the role.
Kiran Rao detailed the occurrence during a conversation with The Week, when quizzed about the possibility of Aamir Khan making a special appearance in the film. She disclosed that not only was Aamir keen but there were intense deliberations between the two on the eventual casting decision for Manohar. “Aamir said, ‘I really love the character, I really want to play it,'” Kiran reminisced about their discussions. Despite Aamir’s audition being “really good,” he himself conceded that he might not match Ravi Kishan’s unique portrayal of Manohar.
Rao expressed her perspective on Kishan’s unsuspecting charm, asserting, “I feel he brings a complete surprise to this character because you don’t know what to expect from him.” The filmmaker also pointed out that the expectation surrounding Aamir Khan’s performances might preemptively color audience perception, whereas Kishan’s fresh take would offer a different dynamic. According to Rao, it was Aamir who ultimately agreed that Ravi could do the role better, and possibly, “I wouldn’t do full justice to it.”
In addition to discussing casting choices, Kiran Rao opened up about why she opted for new actors to fill the screen. She aimed for a rooted and authentic narrative that could resonate with the rural backdrop of the film, without setting any pre-conceived expectations among the viewers. Supported fully by Aamir Khan in this vision, the decision seems to be a deliberate step towards telling a story with a genuine touch.
The film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is presented by Jio Studios and is a joint production venture between Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande under Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions. With its release scheduled for March 1, 2024, the movie is built on an award-winning tale by Biplab Goswami with Sneha Desai penning the screenplay and dialogue. Divyanidhi Sharma contributes the additional dialogues, rounding off the creative process behind this intriguing film.
The anticipation surrounding ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is palpable, as audiences look forward to Kiran Rao’s directorial expertise, a compelling narrative, and the remarkable ensemble cast that promises to breathe life into this cinematic experience. Even though Aamir Khan will not be seen as Manohar, his participation in the film’s production and his artistic influence are sure to be felt when the film finally graces the silver screen.
