Every Bollywood film carries with it not just the story seen on screen but also a hidden tale of what went on behind the camera. The struggles, debates and compromises made in casting often leave an invisible mark on the final product.
One such story belongs to Besharam, a 2013 romantic comedy that made headlines for more than just its star power. Even today, years later, the film’s director Abhinav Kashyap is still asked about the choices that defined its making.
Abhinav Kashyap, best known for directing the blockbuster Dabangg, recently revisited his experiences with Besharam and revealed how its casting became a battleground of opinions. At the centre of it all was Ranbir Kapoor, his then-girlfriend, and a role that ultimately went to an actress few expected.
Abhinav Kashyap explained that while casting the female lead, he was urged strongly by Ranbir Kapoor to consider his then-girlfriend, widely believed to be Katrina Kaif. The director admitted that similar pressure had also surfaced during Dabangg, when Salman Khan’s camp suggested Katrina opposite him. In both the cases, Abhinav Kashyap resisted. For Besharam, he felt Katrina Kaif was not suited to play a Delhi-born Punjabi girl. At the time, her accented Hindi was still noticeable and filmmakers often cast her as an NRI or someone with foreign roots to justify it.
The director recalled Ranbir telling him that Katrina was interested in the film but Abhinav Kashyap stood firm. He also revealed that Sonakshi Sinha, who had already worked with him in Dabangg, was briefly considered for the part. However, Ranbir reportedly opposed the idea, making it clear that he was not comfortable working with her. Abhinav Kashyap did not elaborate on the reasons, saying only Ranbir could explain his stance.
With these options off the table, the team began testing other actresses. Talents like Taapsee Pannu, Swara Bhaskar, Tamannaah Bhatia and Parineeti Chopra auditioned for the role. Eventually, it was Pallavi Sharda who impressed everyone, from the director to Ranbir and even his parents Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor. She was selected purely on the strength of her audition.
The choice, however, did not go down smoothly in the industry. Pallavi was still a newcomer, known only for a small role in My Name Is Khan. Many questioned how she could land a big-banner lead opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Gossip mills even churned out stories suggesting Abhinav Kashyap had a personal relationship with her, a claim he firmly denied.
In the midst of this, there were also rumours of strained ties between Abhinav Kashyap and Katrina Kaif. He addressed them directly, recalling a moment when she asked him if he had an issue with her. His response was clear, he had no problem at all but would cast her only when he had a character that matched her persona, such as an NRI role.
When the dust finally settled, Besharam moved forward with Pallavi Sharda as the leading lady opposite Ranbir Kapoor. The story followed Babli, a car mechanic by day and car thief by night, who donates his earnings to the orphanage where he was raised. His world turns upside down when he falls for Tara Sharma, played by Pallavi, and tries to win her love. Adding to the family connection, Ranbir’s real-life parents, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, appeared as quirky police officers.
Despite all the excitement and the weight of expectations, the film could not live up to its promise. Made on a hefty budget of about Rs 83 crore, it managed to collect only around Rs 77 crore in India. Its worldwide earnings touched Rs 95 crore but still fell short of covering its costs. Box Office India ultimately declared Besharam a failure, despite its celebrated cast and high-profile launch.
Looking back, the film is remembered less for its plot and more for the tussles that shaped its making. Abhinav Kashyap’s candid revelations show how casting decisions, shaped by both artistic vision and industry pressures, can change not just a film but also its legacy.
