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Farhan Akhtar was offered a role in Rang De Basanti, he could not believe it: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

After the success of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Farhan Akhtar have reunited for another sports drama titled Toofaan. The film is taking the digital route due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will release on Amazon Prime Video on July 16. During an interview, Rakeysh, who directed Toofaan, told a media agency that he had offered the role of Karan Singhania from Rang De Basanti to Farhan. The director revealed that Farhan couldn't believe it at that time. The role was eventually played by South actor Siddharth.

"He was truly amused because he had just made ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and was finishing ‘Lakshya’. I told him I wanted him to act in my film and he could not believe it at that point of time! I had offered him the part of Karan, which was the only author-backed character in the whole film. Farhan was fascinated. I could see the twinkle in his eyes. He wondered ‘What’s wrong with this guy who is seeing me act in a film?" Rakeysh revealed. 

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Rakeysh added that though Farhan loved the script, he "couldn’t see himself acting at that point in time." Rang De Basanti released in 2006. Farhan, who started his career in Bollywood as a director, went on to make his acting debut in Rock On!! (2008). 

Farhan and Rakeysh's Toofaan also stars Paresh Rawal and Mrunal Thakur. 

(Source: PTI)

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