‘Manikarnika’: Not only Sonu Sood, even Gulshan Devaiah turned down Kangana Ranaut’s film

Everyone is aware of how Sonu Sood and Kangana Ranaut had a public fallout during the shoot of ‘Manikarnika’. While Kangana wanted to reshoot a lot of portions for the film, Sonu wasn’t available for the shoot as he was busy with ‘Simmba’. Now, a new information has come to light that not only him, but even Gulshan Devaiah had to turn down the Kangana Ranaut starrer.

Gulshan has proved his versatility as an actor over the years with his impeccable roles in ‘Shaitan’ (2011), ‘Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela’ (2013), ‘Hunterrr’ (2015) and many other films. He is on a personal high with his recently released digital show ‘Smoke’. Also, he will soon be seen in ‘Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota’ (‘MKDNH’) where he is essaying the role of Karate Mani, a karate expert. With so much going his way, why would he say no to a period drama, which was made on such an exuberant scale? We wonder.

Also, why did Gulshan decide to do ‘MKDNH’? Well the film was offered to him at a time when he was recovering from knee reconstructive surgery. The doctors had advised him to take rest at least for a one year, but the offer was so lucrative for him as an actor that he couldn’t say no to his director Vasan Bala. The role required him to push the envelope at a stage where he was supposed to rest for his physical well being. The immense faith and trust from the team of ‘MKDNH’ led him to sign the film.

After signing the film, he was also approached to essay a key role in the highly anticipated Rani Laxmibai biopic, ‘Manikarnika’. He was certain that the film will turn into a milestone owing to the grandeur of the story. However, he landed up declining the film.

Given that he was required to adapt to a whole new lifestyle and learn multiple fitness techniques, and the fact that he was still recuperating from a physical condition, he wasn’t sure of ‘Manikarnika’ as it required him to do and learn more physical activities like sword-fighting, etc. Owing to time restrictions, he had to turn down the film.

Speaking about the same, Gulshan said, “’Manikarnika’ was offered to me and the filmmakers really wanted me to do the role. It seemed like a physically demanding role because there was horse-riding and sword-fighting lessons, which I had to take. The real reason why I turned down ‘Manikarnika’ is more than one reason. Reason number 1 is I really prefer doing one project at a time, regardless of how big or small it is. I feel that I am able to give my 100% of all my time to that project. This is my preferred method and I am not able to do it all the time. But that’s what I prefer because I already agreed to be part of ‘Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota’. And secondly, it would have been extremely difficult for me to cope up with two roles which needed me to do variety of physical training and execution on screen.”

Also Read: ‘Manikarnika’ Movie Review: Kangana Ranaut’s stellar performance is filled with blood, fire and tears

Prateek Sur

Born a Movie Buff, working as a Film Critique and enjoying life as a Bollywood Reporter.

Email: editor@bollywoodbubble.com Phone: +91 8355910465