Did You Know Rajkummar Rao Was Almost Cast in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ Alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui?

Bollywood films often come with surprising behind-the-scenes stories that leave fans in awe. One such revelation involves the talented actor Rajkummar Rao, known for his incredible versatility and intense performances. Did you know that Rajkummar Rao was initially cast to play a parallel lead alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui in one of the most iconic films of Indian cinema—Gangs of Wasseypur?

Directed by the master storyteller Anurag Kashyap, Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) became a cult classic for its raw portrayal of power, crime, and vengeance, set against the backdrop of the rustic and ruthless town of Wasseypur in Bihar. It featured stellar performances by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, and Huma Qureshi. But there was a time when Rajkummar Rao was poised to join the ranks of these acting giants, and his role would have been just as integral to the film. So, what happened, and how did Rajkummar Rao’s involvement fall through?

Did you know what was Rajkummar Rao’s first paycheck?

The Original Casting Plan: Rajkummar Rao and Nawazuddin Siddiqui

The story of Gangs of Wasseypur was always larger-than-life, with its ensemble cast playing crucial roles in depicting the deep-rooted gang wars in the town. Anurag Kashyap, known for his unconventional filmmaking, had initially envisioned a parallel lead role for Rajkummar Rao, where he would share the screen with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The two actors would have been part of the gritty narrative, contributing to the crime, politics, and revenge saga.

Rajkummar Rao, at the time, was still in the early stages of his career but had already shown glimpses of his acting potential in films like Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010) and Ragini MMS (2011). His intense screen presence and ability to portray a wide range of emotions made him a strong candidate for the role in a film as complex and intense as Gangs of Wasseypur. On the other hand, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who had already proven himself in independent films, was slowly making a name for himself in mainstream cinema. He was cast as the brilliant but deadly gangster Faizal Khan, a role that would elevate his career to new heights.

Why Rajkummar Rao Didn’t Make It to ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’

While Rajkummar Rao was initially cast, things didn’t work out as planned. As the story goes, scheduling conflicts and creative differences led to his exit from the project. It’s said that Rajkummar was unable to adjust to the long shooting schedule and the time required for the film’s gruelling production. This led to the filmmakers bringing in a different actor for the role.

Interestingly, Rajkummar Rao’s departure opened the door for another actor who would later go on to become a significant part of the film. The role initially offered to him was eventually played by the incredibly talented actor Vineet Kumar Singh, who portrayed the character of Sardar Khan‘s son, Danish Khan. While Vineet Kumar Singh delivered a fine performance, one can only imagine how Rajkummar Rao’s intense approach to characters could have shaped the dynamics of the film.

Rajkummar Rao’s Journey Post-‘Gangs of Wasseypur’

Although Rajkummar Rao didn’t end up in Gangs of Wasseypur, this didn’t stop him from making a massive impact in Bollywood. His career took a different trajectory, and he quickly became one of the most respected actors in the industry. From Kai Po Che (2013) to Shahid (2013), Queen (2013), Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Stree (2018), and The White Tiger (2021), Rajkummar showcased his immense range, and every role cemented his reputation as a versatile actor. His portrayals of real-life characters, complex personalities, and quirky individuals have earned him critical acclaim, making him a much-loved figure in the Indian film industry.

One might wonder if his career would have taken a similar trajectory had he starred in Gangs of Wasseypur. However, fate had other plans, and Rajkummar Rao’s success story proved that he was destined for greatness in his own right.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Rise in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’

While Rajkummar Rao’s journey was slightly altered, Gangs of Wasseypur turned out to be a game-changer for Nawazuddin Siddiqui. His portrayal of Faizal Khan, the troubled son of the infamous gangster Sardar Khan, became a defining moment in his career. His nuanced performance brought depth to the character, making Faizal Khan one of the most memorable anti-heroes in Bollywood. Nawazuddin’s ability to portray intense emotions, his ability to fluctuate between charm and menace, and his unique approach to character work set him apart from other actors of his generation.

Since Gangs of Wasseypur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has become one of the most respected actors in Bollywood, delivering memorable performances in films such as The Lunchbox (2013), Manjhi – The Mountain Man (2015), and Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016). His versatility and commitment to his roles have made him a favorite of both critics and audiences.

What Could Have Been: Rajkummar Rao in Gangs of Wasseypur

While Rajkummar Rao didn’t appear in Gangs of Wasseypur, it’s interesting to imagine what his presence would have brought to the film. Known for his impeccable dialogue delivery and emotional depth, Rajkummar could have seamlessly blended into the gritty world of Wasseypur. The film’s already powerful ensemble cast could have been even more dynamic with Rajkummar Rao’s addition.

Had Rajkummar been part of the film, perhaps his character would have had a strong connection to the central narrative, taking on a role similar to that of Faizal Khan or even competing against Nawazuddin in terms of screen presence. Considering Rajkummar’s talent for delivering complex roles with emotional intensity, there’s no doubt that his performance would have added an extra layer of depth to the film.

Conclusion: A Casting Twist in Bollywood’s History

While it’s fascinating to learn that Rajkummar Rao was once cast as a parallel lead alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Gangs of Wasseypur, the film’s eventual success proves that everything happens for a reason. Rajkummar’s career flourished in other projects, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance in Gangs of Wasseypur became iconic in its own right. Both actors have continued to shine in their respective paths, becoming two of Bollywood’s most versatile and acclaimed performers.

Gangs of Wasseypur remains a masterpiece of Indian cinema, with its gripping narrative, unforgettable characters, and powerful performances. Whether or not Rajkummar Rao was part of the project, the film continues to be an essential chapter in Bollywood’s history, and we can only imagine how it would have unfolded with him in the mix.