Pakistani actor Imran Abbas recently made headlines by revealing that he turned down offers from acclaimed Bollywood directors Rajkumar Hirani, Mahesh Bhatt, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In a candid interview with Nida Yasir on her show Shan-e-Suhoor, Imran disclosed that looking back at his career, he rejected the opportunity to star in a film like Aashiqui 2, a decision that surprised many.
The actor further shared that people often question his choice to decline projects like Aashiqui 2 and Ram-Leela, and mentioned that he was also offered the role of Sarfaraz in Rajkumar Hirani's PK. Additionally, he revealed that he was the initial choice for Aditya Roy Kapur's character in Guzzarish. While he did not turn down Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi, the project unfortunately got shelved.
He even emphasized the significance of Aashiqui 2 in his career, referring to it as "sabse bada project tha." He clarified that despite rumours suggesting otherwise, the only official offer he received was for Aashiqui 2 from director Mohit Suri and the producer. Imran expressed frustration over the criticism he faced for his decisions, stating that people attempt to make him feel regretful for not accepting certain roles.
However, Imran faced backlash from netizens who labelled him a 'liar' for claiming to have rejected multiple Bollywood films. Some comments mocked his choices, with one user humorously mentioning that he refused the role of a 'laash' in Cid. Despite the criticism, Imran remains firm in his decisions and highlighted that his last Indian project was the Punjabi film Jee Ve Sohneya Jee. The top comment on his viral interview on Instagram was, "Kya lambi lambi fekta hai."
Imran's revelations shed light on the complexities of decision-making in the entertainment industry and the challenges actors face in navigating their careers across different film industries. His honesty sparked discussions among fans and critics alike, showcasing the intense scrutiny faced by actors in making career-defining choices.
His last Indian project was the Punjabi film Jee Ve Sohneya Jee.
Image Source: Instagram