Hrithik Roshan Was the First Choice for Abhishek Bachchan’s Role in ‘Bunty Aur Babli’, Reveals Shaad Ali

As Bunty Aur Babli celebrates its 20th anniversary, director Shaad Ali has revealed an intriguing detail that has surprised many fans of the film. In a recent interview, Shaad disclosed that n was originally the first choice to play the role of Bunty, a role that was eventually portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan. The revelation has sparked renewed interest in the classic con-comedy that remains a beloved Bollywood film even two decades after its release.

According to Shaad Ali, he spent months in discussion with Hrithik Roshan and his father, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, during the early development of the film. Shaad mentioned that Rakesh Roshan was very impressed with the film’s concept and gave his full support. However, Hrithik had creative concerns about playing a small-town conman and felt unsure about whether he would be able to connect with the character on screen. Due to this hesitation, he ultimately declined the role, leading the way for Abhishek Bachchan to step in.

Interestingly, even though Hrithik didn’t play the lead, he left a significant mark on the film. Shaad revealed that Hrithik came up with the idea for the film’s now-famous ending. The original ending had Bunty and Babli reforming and settling down into a law-abiding life. However, Hrithik suggested that the characters, much like superheroes, could not completely abandon their identity as con artists. He pitched an alternative conclusion where the duo returns to their conning ways, staying true to their essence. This idea resonated deeply with Shaad, who later implemented it into the final version of the film. The director even admitted that Hrithik deserved a credit for the suggestion, saying, “I should have thanked Hrithik in the credits.”

Shaad also confirmed that Rani Mukerji was always his first and only choice for the role of Babli. Her fiery personality and strong screen presence brought a unique flair to the character, complementing the quirky charm of Bunty. Together, the duo brought the spirited con artist couple to life in a way that resonated with the audience.

The film also made headlines at the time for featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan together on screen for the first time. The dynamic between father and son added an extra layer of appeal. Adding to the film's legacy, Aishwarya Rai made a dazzling appearance in the chart-topping song “Kajra Re.” This appearance marked a rare and memorable moment, as it became the only film where Amitabh, Abhishek, and Aishwarya all appeared together.

Bunty Aur Babli, released in 2005, became a box office success, known for its lively storytelling, catchy music, and unique characters. The film left a lasting impact on Bollywood’s portrayal of quirky outlaws and cemented its place as a modern classic.

With this new revelation about Hrithik Roshan’s involvement, fans now have a deeper appreciation for the collaborative creative process that shaped this iconic film.