Filmmaker Suneel Darshan has revisited the casting change in his planned film Barsaat, saying he chose to retain Priyanka Chopra after deciding that continuing with Akshay Kumar could create difficulties in the actor’s family.
NEW DELHI, India — Filmmaker Suneel Darshan has spoken about why Akshay Kumar was replaced by Bobby Deol in his planned film Barsaat, which was originally set to feature Akshay, Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu.
Darshan said the project had already moved into production, including the filming of a title song featuring Akshay and Priyanka. However, after a break of a couple of months caused by other commitments, he said problems emerged when the team prepared to resume shooting.
Key Highlights
- Suneel Darshan said Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra could no longer continue together in Barsaat.
- Darshan decided to retain Priyanka and eventually brought Bobby Deol into the project.
- The filmmaker said he believed a married actor had greater responsibility toward his family.
Why Akshay Kumar was replaced in Barsaat
Speaking to the YouTube channel Minutes of Masala, Darshan recalled being surprised when Akshay asked him to postpone the film. The producer said a full production unit had already been assembled and was prepared to begin work.
According to Darshan, the situation had become difficult enough that he concluded Akshay and Priyanka could not continue working together on the project. Rather than delay the film indefinitely, he chose to move forward with Priyanka.
“I felt that a married man should be more responsible. Priyanka wasn’t married,” Darshan said while explaining his decision.
Bobby Deol took Akshay’s role
Following the casting change, Bobby Deol stepped into the role that had originally been intended for Akshay Kumar. Darshan said the decision was taken after he considered the practical difficulties surrounding the production.
Akshay and Priyanka had previously appeared together in films including Andaaz, Waqt and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. Their professional association had therefore already been established before the Barsaat project was planned.
Darshan refers to reported relationship rumours
Darshan had previously discussed the same episode in an interview with YouTube channel Friday Talkies. During that conversation, he referred to rumours linking Akshay and Priyanka and claimed that the speculation had affected Akshay’s personal life.
Darshan said the situation raised concerns about possible “repercussions within his family.” He also stressed that actors working professionally have responsibilities beyond the demands of a particular production.
The claims about the alleged relationship are Darshan’s account of events. The supplied material does not provide independent confirmation of the allegations.
Suneel Darshan recalls casting Priyanka in Andaaz
Darshan also revisited Priyanka’s casting in Andaaz, which marked her Hindi film debut alongside Lara Dutta and Akshay Kumar. He recalled that Priyanka visited his office after winning the Miss World title but did not immediately make a strong impression on him.
His view changed during their conversation, when he said he began to see qualities that reminded him of veteran actor Rekha. Darshan eventually became interested in casting her, with preparations taking place before filming began.
He also praised Priyanka’s commitment during the making of the film, saying she worked hard on her dance training and approached her early career with determination.
Darshan praises Priyanka’s work in Andaaz
According to Darshan, Lara Dutta had the stronger role in Andaaz, but Priyanka brought a distinctive energy to the film. He described her presence as adding a “sizzle and vibe” that he considered difficult to predict at the time.
Darshan said Priyanka was hardworking and dynamic during the production. He recalled that she trained extensively for the film and remained committed despite injuries to her feet.
His latest comments offer his account of a casting decision that ultimately changed the male lead of Barsaat from Akshay Kumar to Bobby Deol.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
