Sushant Singh Rajput, the beloved actor known for his remarkable talent and humble personality, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions. The late actor’s untimely passing in June 2020 left a deep void in the entertainment industry and among his fans. From being a small-town dreamer to making it big in Bollywood, Sushant’s journey reflected his passion and determination. While he delivered memorable performances in films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Detective Byomkesh Bakshi, and Kai Po Che, there were several major projects he couldn’t be part of. Let’s take a look at some of them and the reasons behind his decisions.
Romeo Akbar Walter
Sushant was initially cast as the lead in the action film Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) and had even participated in promotional material for the movie. However, scheduling conflicts forced him to step away from the project, which later went to John Abraham. The film’s producers, Bunty Walia, and director Robbie Grewal, were reportedly surprised by his decision.
Addressing his exit, Sushant shared, “Unfortunately, I will not be part of Romeo Akbar Walter due to changes in my prior commitments. I loved the story and wanted to be part of it, but it’s not possible.”
Producer Bunty Walia expressed his disappointment, saying, “We had signed Sushant and locked his dates, so his sudden exit came as a shock, especially to Robbie, as Sushant had agreed to the project immediately.”
Half Girlfriend
Based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel, Half Girlfriend was initially offered to Sushant, and Bhagat even welcomed him on board via a tweet. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the role eventually went to Arjun Kapoor, who starred opposite Shraddha Kapoor.
Explaining why he missed out on the film, Sushant told Bollywood Life, “I was already working on multiple films. When I give my word to someone, I don’t back out, even if the project gets delayed. Unfortunately, because of delays with two of my projects, I missed out on 12 films in one year. These include some of the big films that everyone talks about, but I don’t have any regrets.”
Fitoor
Sushant was the original choice for Fitoor, Abhishek Kapoor’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. However, he was replaced by Aditya Roy Kapur. Sushant had no hard feelings about the decision and stood by his commitment-first principle.
“I don’t have regrets,” he stated. “This is a principle I will follow throughout my career. If I like a script and give my word, I won’t abandon it for something bigger or more exciting.”
Sushant had previously collaborated with Abhishek Kapoor on Kai Po Che and Kedarnath.
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Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat
During the investigation into Sushant’s death, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali revealed that he had offered Sushant the lead roles in Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat. However, due to conflicting schedules, Sushant was unable to take on any of these projects. These films later went on to become massive box-office successes.
A Legacy Remembered
Sushant Singh Rajput’s choices reflected his integrity and dedication to his craft. Despite missing out on several big-ticket films, his existing body of work continues to inspire millions. As we celebrate his birth anniversary, we remember not just the actor but also the incredible human being who lived by his principles and left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
