Priyanka Chopra made her Bollywood debut with Andaaz, starring alongside Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta soon after Priyanka and Lara won the Miss World and Miss Universe titles respectively. The film was produced by Suneel Darshan, who has now opened up about another project that was meant to reunite Priyanka and Akshay but eventually underwent a major casting change.Darshan revealed that he had planned a film titled Barsaat with Akshay, Priyanka and Bipasha Basu. The filmmaker said the team had even filmed the title song featuring Akshay and Priyanka. However, after a break of a couple of months due to other commitments, the project ran into difficulties when it was time to resume shooting.“By the time we had to resume the shoot, we found that there were some problems that were being blown up and we realised that both Akshay and Priyanka can’t do the film together,” he said in an interview with the YouTube channel Minutes of Masala.By then, Akshay and Priyanka had already worked together in films including Waqt, Andaaz and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. According to Darshan, Akshay asked him to delay the film, leaving the filmmaker with a difficult decision.Suneel added, “If they were to work together now, it could have led to “repercussions within his family.” The producer admitted that he was “very upset” by the development and stressed the importance of professionalism.“I feel that when you are a professional, then there is a responsibility. You can’t be irresponsible. But what could we do about it?” he said.Darshan recalled being “shocked” when Akshay asked him to postpone the project, especially since an entire production unit was already assembled and ready to begin work. He eventually decided to retain Priyanka in the film rather than wait indefinitely.“I felt that a married man should be more responsible. Priyanka wasn’t married. So I thought that if I have to make a choice, Priyanka should remain in the film,” he said.Bobby Deol subsequently stepped into the role that had originally been intended for Akshay.Darshan had previously made similar claims about the circumstances surrounding Akshay and Priyanka in a conversation with YouTube channel Friday Talkies. He alleged that the two actors had an affair and said the rumours had affected Akshay’s personal life.“Some rumours about Priyanka Chopra and Akshay Kumar started doing the rounds, and Twinkle had left his home. As an actor, you have to be responsible. If your wife has been an actress, she knows everything about the industry, and she has also worked with all the big stars. She knew everything,” he said.
Suneel Darshan on casting Priyanka in Andaaz
During this same interview, Darshan also revisited the process of casting Priyanka in Andaaz. He recalled that she had visited his office after winning the Miss World crown, but she did not immediately impress him.“I had heard that she was Miss World, but so many people become Miss World,” he said.However, his impression changed as their conversation progressed. Darshan said Priyanka reminded him of veteran actor Rekha and that he became interested in casting her, although there were certain preparations that needed to be made before filming.“I could see that her nose was not okay, so I asked what would be done about that because our film was going to start soon. So it was decided that she wouldn’t be working in the first schedule so she gets time,” he said. He added, “She was prepared by the time we had to do our photo shoot.”Darshan also praised Priyanka’s contribution to Andaaz, noting that although Lara had the stronger role, Priyanka brought a distinct energy to the film.According to him, she brought a “sizzle and vibe” that was “unimaginable.” He also remembered how seriously she approached her dance training during the shoot. Priyanka would reportedly practise for long hours, sometimes from 7 am until midnight, despite sustaining injuries to her feet.“She was very hardworking, very dynamic. She knew she had to make it to the top. She was very nice through that journey,” he said.
