Rang De Basanti’s 17th anniversary: Take a look at iconic Bollywood film’s casting process

As Rang De Basanti marked its 17th anniversary on January 26, it is worth taking a look back at the casting process of this iconic Bollywood film. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and starring Aamir Khan, Rang De Basanti went on to become a critical and commercial success, and is considered a classic in Indian cinema. However, it is interesting to note that the film's casting could have been vastly different, with Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan being considered for key roles, as per media reports.

According to a recent report, Shah Rukh Khan was considered for the role of DJ, which was eventually played by Aamir Khan. Similarly, Hrithik Roshan was in the running to play Sukhi, a role that was ultimately given to Sharman Joshi. It is hard to imagine Rang De Basanti with any other cast, as Aamir Khan's portrayal of DJ and Sharman Joshi's portrayal of Sukhi have become ingrained in popular culture. However, it is intriguing to think about how the film might have turned out had Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan been cast in these roles, the reports said.

The film follows the story of six friends, who become involved in the making of a film about Indian freedom fighters and how their perceptions of the country and its political system change as a result. The film delves into themes of freedom, patriotism, and social responsibility, and the performances of the entire cast, including the actors playing the lead roles. Aamir Khan, who plays the role of DJ, a carefree, fun-loving character, was lauded for his portrayal of the character's transformation from being indifferent to being politically aware and active. His performance was widely considered as one of his best. Similarly, Sharman Joshi's portrayal of Sukhi, a character from a lower-middle-class background, was also highly appreciated.


Rang De Basanti is an important film in Indian cinema, not just for its storytelling but also for the impact it had on popular culture. The film's message of "live to fight another day" and "live like Basanti" became slogans that people used to express their feelings of frustration and hope. The film's music, composed by A.R. Rahman, also played a huge role in making the film a success. The song "Luka Chuppi" and "Roobaroo" were widely popular and are still considered as some of the best compositions in Indian cinema.

FAQs

Q1. Who directed Rang De Basanti?
Rang De Basanti was directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Q2. Was Rang De Basanti a commercial success?
Yes, the film was a commercial and critical success, and is considered a classic in Indian cinema.