REVEALED: Emraan Hashmi was earlier set to play this role in Gangubai Kathiawadi

Alia Bhatt’s latest release Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) has been creating a lot of buzz at the box office. Fans applauded Alia for her remarkable performance in the film, but, moreover, it was Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s direction that cast a spell on the audience. But the one who caught everyone’s attention in the film was Ajay Devgn who played the character of Rahim Lala. Recently, reports emerged that Emraan Hashmi was also roped in for a special appearance in the film.

Previously, Hashmi and Devgn worked together in the mafia drama Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (2010). Their chemistry was well appreciated. Since Gangubai Kathiawadi, like Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, had a link to the Mumbai mafia in the past, fans were looking forward to witnessing both of them in the same space.

It was however, soon, confirmed that Emraan Hashmi is not a part of the Gangubai cast. There were also speculations going around that he was not even offered the film whereas some believed that his role was taken over by Ajay Devgn.

As per reports by Bollywood Hungama, Ajay Devgn has not replaced Emraan Hashmi. "Emraan Hashmi was offered the part of Ramneek in the film," a source told Bollywood Hungama. “He’s the boyfriend of Ganga (Alia Bhatt) in Kathiawad. He’s the one who tricks her into running with him to Bombay so that he can help her become a film heroine. He even smartly convinces Ganga not to inform her parents that she’s heading to Bombay. Once they reach the city of dreams, Ramneek sells Ganga at the brothel of Sheela (Seema Pahwa) for Rs. 1000.”

The source added, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali felt that Emraan Hashmi would have been apt for the part as he has done grey and slightly negative roles in the past. Also, it would have added to the star power of the movie. However, Emraan turned down the film after showing interest. The reason is not known.”

As per rumours, Kartik Aaryan was also offered this special appearance in Gangubai Kathiawadi in 2020 but he turned down the position because he didn't want to play a negative role at this point in his career.

Later, the role was taken over by Television actor Varun Kapoor.