Did Sanjay Leela Bhansali Choose Rani Mukerji Over Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi?

Aditya Narayan Reflects on His Journey with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Singer and television host Aditya Narayan has shared insights about his experience working with the renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. After a challenging time when his film flopped, Narayan found himself seeking direction in his career.

Bhansali’s recent film, Gangubai Kathiawadi, showcased Alia Bhatt in the lead role, earning her accolades, including a National Award. However, Narayan disclosed that Bhansali’s first choice for the role was Rani Mukerji.

During an interview with Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, Aditya Narayan discussed his struggles following the film Shaapit, which he described as one of the “few failures” in his career. He shared that after the film’s release, he faced joblessness for nearly a year, affecting his opportunities and connections.

Becoming Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Assistant

Aditya shared that it was Sonu Nigam who recommended he assist Bhansali, prompting Narayan to seize the opportunity to learn about filmmaking. Initially met with skepticism, Bhansali eventually assigned him tasks after a week of waiting.

Aditya recollected that Bhansali had two scripts at that time: Ram-Leela and Gangubai Kathiawadi. He recalled that Bhansali was contemplating Rani Mukerji for the lead role, and he himself preferred the script for Ram-Leela.

Overview of Gangubai Kathiawadi

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Gangubai Kathiawadi is a biographical crime drama based on a segment from Hussain Zaidi’s *Mafia Queens of Mumbai*. The film focuses on Gangubai, portrayed by Alia Bhatt, who rises from a vulnerable background to become a powerful figure in the Kamathipura district of Mumbai. The film’s ensemble cast includes names like Shantanu Maheshwari and Ajay Devgn, and it achieved significant box office success, earning ₹211.5 crore globally.

Currently, Aditya Narayan is participating in Ashneer Grover’s show Rise & Fall, while Sanjay Leela Bhansali is busy filming his next project Love & War, which features actors such as Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, set to release in 2026.