In the swirling rumor mill of Bollywood, casting speculations often take on a life of their own. Whispers suggesting Ajay Devgn was initially considered for the role of Alauddin Khilji in "Padmavati" (later renamed "Padmaavat") have now been firmly dismissed by an authoritative source within Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions.
Setting the Record Straight
Speaking to a leading publication, a source close to the acclaimed filmmaker categorically denied these rumors, labeling them as "irrelevant PR." The insider clarified, "Ajay was never offered Padmavati. The Khilji role was Ranveer Singh's from the very start." This statement effectively puts to rest the persistent speculation that has resurfaced periodically since the film's release.
However, the source did confirm a previous near-collaboration between the director and Devgn that never materialized. "Ajay had been offered Bajirao Mastani; he was the first choice for the role. And Bhansali sir was keen to team up with him again after Hum... Dil De Chuke Sanam. But things didn't work out then," the source revealed.
The Bajirao That Could Have Been
This confirmation aligns with Devgn's own past admissions about being approached for the historical epic "Bajirao Mastani." The "Singham" star had previously acknowledged discussions with Bhansali but cited disagreements over "terms and conditions" as the reason for not accepting the role.
Industry insiders familiar with the negotiations have now shed more light on these terms. According to reports, Devgn had quoted what was described as a "staggering fee" for taking on the demanding role of the legendary Maratha warrior. This financial hurdle reportedly prompted Bhansali to pivot to Ranveer Singh, with whom he had already established a successful partnership in "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela."
Scheduling Conflicts and Production Priorities
Beyond financial considerations, scheduling appears to have been another significant obstacle in the potential collaboration. Sources claim that Bhansali had requested Devgn to commit to an intensive shooting schedule spanning 200 consecutive days—a substantial time investment that would have directly conflicted with Devgn's passion project, "Shivaay."
At that time, "Shivaay" was not just another acting assignment for Devgn but a deeply personal directorial venture under his home production banner. The ambitious action thriller required Devgn's complete attention both in front of and behind the camera, making it virtually impossible to accommodate Bhansali's extensive shooting requirements.
The Bhansali-Ranveer Partnership Flourishes
The casting reshuffles ultimately led to Ranveer Singh taking on both roles—first as Bajirao and later as Alauddin Khilji—cementing his status as Bhansali's go-to male lead for period epics. This partnership has proven extraordinarily fruitful for both, with their collaborations consistently delivering both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Creative Disagreements: A Common Bollywood Narrative
The revelation about Devgn's discussions for "Bajirao Mastani" highlights a common but rarely discussed aspect of Bollywood filmmaking: the delicate negotiations that occur before major casting decisions are finalized. Creative differences, financial considerations, and scheduling conflicts frequently result in actors walking away from potentially career-defining roles.
In this case, both parties moved on to create successful projects independently. While Bhansali crafted "Bajirao Mastani" into one of Indian cinema's most visually stunning and commercially successful historical dramas with Ranveer Singh, Devgn channeled his creative energies into "Shivaay," which showcased his vision as a director and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking in Indian cinema.
