In a memorable episode of Bigg Boss Weekend Ka Vaar, hosted by Salman Khan, the actor shared an intriguing insight into the casting process for his blockbuster 2016 film Sultan. During the episode, which also featured Mrunal Thakur promoting her film Jersey alongside Shahid Kapoor, Salman Khan disclosed that Mrunal Thakur was originally considered for the Sultan lead role.
Ali Abbas Zafar had arranged a special meeting with Mrunal Thakur
Salman Khan recounted a pivotal moment from the film’s development phase, revealing that director Ali Abbas Zafar had arranged a special meeting with Mrunal Thakur at Salman’s Panvel farmhouse. At the time, Mrunal was being considered for the role of Aarfa, the wrestler’s wife. Salman explained that although Mrunal was a promising choice, the team ultimately decided against her for the role. The primary reason for this decision was Mrunal Thakur’s physical appearance at that time. According to Salman Khan, Mrunal Thakur had recently undergone significant weight loss, which made her less suited for the role of a wrestler, a character who required a more robust physique to convincingly portray the demanding sport. The casting team felt they needed someone whose appearance aligned more closely with the rigorous demands of the role.
As a result, the role of Aarfa eventually went to Anushka Sharma, who delivered an outstanding performance. Anushka Sharma’s portrayal was not only critically acclaimed but also became a notable highlight of the film, further complemented by her strong on-screen chemistry with Salman Khan. This behind-the-scenes revelation adds an interesting layer to the story of Sultan and highlights the complex decision-making involved in casting for major films.
Upcoming projects of Mrunal Thakur
Mrunal Thakur is set to star alongside Prabhas in the highly anticipated film directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Thakur’s career, as she joins the ranks of top actors in the industry. The film, which has already generated considerable excitement, promises to blend Thakur’s acting prowess with Prabhas’s star power.