Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently revealed that Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh was his first choice to play the titular role in the 2019 blockbuster Kabir Singh, but the actor turned down the offer, feeling the story was “too dark” at the time. In an old interview with iDream Media, Vanga shared that after the massive success of the Telugu original Arjun Reddy (2017), there was strong interest from Bollywood to remake the film in Hindi. He expressed his keen desire to collaborate with Ranveer, but the actor ultimately passed on the project due to the intense and controversial nature of the character.
Following Ranveer’s refusal, the role went to Shahid Kapoor, an actor who, at the time, lacked a solid solo box-office track record. Industry insiders were skeptical about the casting, with many predicting the film would struggle to cross the Rs 100-crore mark, given Shahid’s highest solo gross was around Rs 65 crore. Vanga stood firm in his conviction, calling Shahid a “fantastic actor” and believing in his ability to carry the complex role. The gamble paid off handsomely, as Kabir Singh became a career-defining hit for Shahid, grossing over Rs 275 crore at the domestic box office, according to Sacnilk.
Vanga reflected on the industry’s cautious approach, noting how people kept comparing the potential of Ranveer’s star power to Shahid’s then-current standing. “They used to say Rs 55 crore or Rs 65 crore is the kind of business Telugu movies do. ‘Why are you doing it with this guy? If it was Ranveer, the box office would be higher’,” he recalled. Despite the doubts, Vanga’s faith in Shahid proved justified, turning Kabir Singh into one of the biggest Hindi films of 2019 and a cultural phenomenon.
Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh has since delivered one of the biggest successes of his career with Dhurandhar, which released on December 5, 2025. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has crossed Rs 745 crore domestically and surpassed the Rs 1,000-crore mark worldwide, establishing itself as a massive commercial triumph. The contrast between the two actors’ paths since Kabir Singh—Shahid’s defining hit—and Ranveer’s later blockbuster highlights the unpredictable nature of box-office fortunes in Bollywood.
The anecdote has resurfaced at a time when discussions about casting choices, star power, and creative risks continue to dominate Bollywood conversations. Vanga’s revelation offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the journey of Kabir Singh, a film that sparked both critical acclaim and controversy. For fans, it remains an intriguing “what if” moment in Hindi cinema history, underscoring how a single decision can shape the trajectory of a project and its stars.
As Dhurandhar continues its record-breaking run, the story of Ranveer’s initial rejection of Kabir Singh adds another layer to his remarkable career arc. It also serves as a reminder of the fine balance between commercial viability and artistic conviction that filmmakers must navigate. The revelation has once again ignited interest in the making of one of Bollywood’s most talked-about films.