Actor Abhishek Banerjee, known for his standout performances in films such as Stree, Bhediya, Vedaa, and Dream Girl 2, has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. However, his journey to success has not been without its setbacks. In a recent candid revelation, Banerjee opened up about missing out on a role in the 2012 Dharma Productions film Agneepath, a project that could have been a significant milestone in his early career. ALSO READ: John Abraham Heaps Praises On Abhishek Banerjee’s Action Sequences In Vedaa; Actor Says, ‘Can’t Reveal Much, But It Will Leave You Surprised’
Reflecting on the incident, Banerjee shared that he was quite young at the time and had auditioned for a role in the Hrithik Roshan-starrer. He recounted how thrilled he was when his name was recommended by veteran actor Piyush Mishra to Karan Johar for the film. Banerjee described the opportunity as a dream come true, especially coming off the success of The Dirty Picture. However, things did not go as planned. Despite his excitement, Banerjee was eventually dropped from the project due to casting reasons. He humorously noted that Dharma Productions' doors seemed to have closed for him after that incident, saying, "Dharma ke dawaze humare liye humesha ke liye band ho gaye the" (The doors of Dharma were closed for us forever). ALSO READ: Abhishek Banerjee To Be The First Bollywood Actor In 7 Years To Have Dual Film Release On The Same Release Date With Stree 2 And Vedaa
Banerjee explained that at the time, he and his peers were more associated with the gritty, unconventional characters typical of Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur. The filmmakers of Agneepath were looking for actors with a strong on-screen presence to match the larger-than-life personas of stars like Hrithik Roshan. Banerjee humorously recalled that Karan Johar, the film’s producer, could not envision him standing opposite Hrithik Roshan as a formidable villain, despite Banerjee’s unique acting abilities. He acknowledged that while his “khurafati dimag” (mischievous mind) and talent were evident, they did not align with the casting needs for the film.
Agneepath, directed by Karan Malhotra and produced by Hiroo Yash Johar and Karan Johar under Dharma Productions, was a remake of the 1990 classic of the same name. The 2012 version starred Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Rishi Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and others in pivotal roles. Although missing out on such a high-profile project was undoubtedly disappointing for Banerjee, it did not deter him from pursuing his passion for acting.
In the years following this setback, Banerjee has achieved considerable success, becoming a recognizable face in the industry with his roles in various critically acclaimed films. His recent successes include Vedaa and Stree 2, and he is also set to appear in the upcoming South Indian film Suriya 44. Banerjee’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination, proving that setbacks can be stepping stones to greater achievements in one’s career.
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