Released in 2012, ‘Agneepath’ remains a significant film in Bollywood history, notably for Hrithik Roshan’s role, stepping into the shoes of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan as the movie was a retelling of the 1990 classic. The film encapsulated the essence of its predecessor while offering a fresh, contemporary perspective. But behind the scenes, there were dramas of their own, as revealed by seasoned actor and casting director Abhishek Banerjee.
Abhishek Banerjee, who is known for his dual roles in casting and acting, re-emerged into the limelight with the Independence Day releases of ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Vedaa’. In a revealing interview with Siddharth Kannan, Banerjee opened up about a tumultuous period in his career, specifically the time when he was unceremoniously dismissed from his casting role in Dharma Productions’ ‘Agneepath’.
Banerjee recounted his ordeal, saying, “We were removed from Agneepath. We were doing the casting for Agneepath, but then Jogi Bhai came in. We were removed because they didn’t like the casting. Karan Sir didn’t like it. We were bringing in actors who were more like Anurag Kashyap’s style, which they didn’t appreciate. So, they said, ‘Get out of our film!’ We thought our careers were ruined, finished! We were out of Dharma Productions, and it was over! But thankfully, we were saved.”
The 2012 version of ‘Agneepath’ holds a special place for fans of Bollywood, as it was monumental to see Hrithik Roshan step into a role once defined by Amitabh Bachchan. Directed by Karan Malhotra and produced by Karan Johar, the film also featured revered actors like Om Puri and Rishi Kapoor in key roles. The film achieved critical and box office success, solidifying its status as a major hit. Additionally, the movie featured stellar performances by Priyanka Chopra, Rishi Kapoor, and Sanjay Dutt, which contributed to its lasting impact and continued popularity among audiences.
Banerjee’s dismissal might have seemed like a roadblock, but it certainly didn’t put a halt to his flourishing career.
. He shared another poignant memory to highlight his admiration for Amitabh Bachchan during an episode of ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’, hosted by standup comedian and actor Zakir Khan.
Banerjee fondly recalled, “We all are such big fans of Mr. Bachchan. I remember once my uncle’s wedding came to a standstill as the entire family eagerly awaited his iconic dialogue from the movie Agneepath — ‘Vijay Deenanath Chauhan’ on TV. Once he delivered it, the celebration resumed.”
From beginnings steeped in theatre in New Delhi, Abhishek Banerjee’s career trajectory has been nothing short of inspiring. His journey started in film with an unassuming appearance in ‘Rang De Basanti’, featuring Aamir Khan, before carving a niche as a casting director in the industry. Through the years, he has been instrumental in the casting of several high-profile movies, such as ‘The Dirty Picture’, ‘No One Killed Jessica’, ‘Dear Dad’, ‘Do Lafzon Ki Kahani’, ‘Rock On 2’, ‘Ok Jaanu’, ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’, ‘Secret Superstar’, and ‘Ajji’.
Not just confined to casting, Banerjee’s acting credits are equally impressive. He has showcased his acting chops in various films like ‘Phillauri’, ‘Ajji’, ‘Stree’, ‘Bhediya’, ‘Bala’, ‘Arjun Patiala’, and ‘Dream Girl’. Beyond the silver screen, he has proven his versatility in the digital domain as well, featuring in acclaimed web series such as ‘Mirzapur’, ‘Typewriter’, and ‘Pataal Lok’.
Indeed, Banerjee’s initial setback in ‘Agneepath’ can now be viewed as a stepping stone that led him to more diverse and enriching opportunities. The actor and casting director’s story is a testament to resilience and versatility in an industry known for its unpredictability. Despite the brief period of doubt and rejection from a major production house like Dharma Productions, Banerjee carved his niche and continues to be a significant presence in both mainstream and digital entertainment spaces.
His tale is one of talent meeting determination, proving that creative differences don’t necessarily spell the end but rather new beginnings. As Banerjee continues to rise and captivate audiences both as an actor and a casting director, his journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring talents in the industry.
