Mahesh Bhatt didn’t want Ashutosh Rana to play the role of Gokul Pandit in Kajol starrer ‘Dushman’ | – Times of India

Ashutosh Rana undoubtedly gave one of his career’s best performances in Tanuja Chandra’s debut film, ‘Dushman‘. The actor played the role of Gokul Pandit in the revenge drama. It also starred Kajol in the lead role.
However, did you know that he was not the first choice for playing the role? Yes, you read that right! In an interview with Lallantop, Rana disclosed how he landed the role of Gokul Pandit.He shared that getting the character was unexpected, as he initially faced rejection. Mahesh Bhatt had commented, “When you smile, you look like a kid.” Despite Rana’s insistence on his acting abilities, Bhatt felt he appeared too innocent for the role and ended up casting a model for ‘Dushman.’ However, Bhatt later had Rana dub for the character.

Despite initial rejection for the role of Gokul Pandit in Mahesh Bhatt’s project, Ashutosh Rana was convinced by the filmmaker to do a small scene in Aamir Khan‘s ‘Ghulam‘ as a revolutionary. Following his father’s advice, Rana accepted the role offered by Mahesh Bhatt. Interestingly, this decision proved pivotal, leading to Rana ultimately landing the role of Gokul Pandit.

Destiny took an unexpected turn as ‘Ghulam’ faced delays in production. During this period, a trial of the movie was conducted at Ajanta theatre. After witnessing Ashutosh Rana’s scene in the trial, Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt decided to change their plans. They opted to scrap the three reels shot for ‘Dushman’ and cast Ashutosh Rana in the role, altering the course of events for the actor.

In a surprising turn of events, Mahesh Bhatt informed Ashutosh Rana that he should never complain to him again as he had turned him into a “star.” Bhatt called Rana and announced, “You are doing Gokul Pandit.” Overwhelmed with joy, Rana sought confirmation and exclaimed, “Aap sach bol rahe ho? Main zor se chilla lun? Duniya ko bata dun?” (Are you telling the truth? Can I shout? Can I tell the world?) The unexpected news prompted Rana to share the excitement with his family.

Later, the actor had a parallel experience when Mahesh Bhatt initiated casting for his 1999 drama, ‘Sangharsh.’ Rana once again portrayed the role of the antagonist, Lajja Shankar Pandey, in the film.