Hrithik Roshan was first choice for Baahubali, not Prabhas? Producer FINALLY reveals truth

SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali franchise changed the face of Indian cinema forever - merging scale, vision, and emotion in a way rarely seen before. The magnum opus not only became a cultural phenomenon but also made global stars out of Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati, and Tamannaah Bhatia. Yet, for years, whispers persisted that Hrithik Roshan, Bollywood’s Greek God, was initially offered the titular role that eventually defined Prabhas’s career.

Also Read: SS Rajamouli’s Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic hits roadblock for Jr NTR, Prabhas!

Now, producer Shobu Yarlagadda has finally addressed the speculation and shut the rumour mills.

From the Start, It Was Always Prabhas

During an interview with Gulte, producer Shobu Yarlagadda cleared the air surrounding the casting buzz.

He stated, “There’s one more thing that I’ll only bring up because I see all this online chatter that we asked Hrithik and all that for Prabhas’ role in Baahubali. That never happened. From Day 1, it was Prabhas.”

Yarlagadda further explained that the script was developed with Prabhas specifically in mind. There were no screen tests, offers, or discussions with any other actors.

This revelation firmly dismisses the long-standing belief that Hrithik Roshan was ever considered for the legendary part.

When Rajamouli’s Remarks Sparked a Storm

Years before Baahubali became a cinematic milestone, SS Rajamouli had once created a stir with his candid remarks. During the trailer launch of Billa, the filmmaker praised Prabhas while controversially referring to Hrithik Roshan as “wasteful.”

He remarked that Hrithik was “nothing in front of Prabhas,” and boldly stated that Telugu cinema was not on Bollywood’s level but “on Hollywood’s level.”

The comments reignited debates every few years as they resurfaced online, drawing mixed reactions from fans.

Rajamouli Later Clarifies His Words

Addressing the old controversy, Rajamouli later offered a clarification, admitting that his phrasing was poor though his intent was not to disrespect Hrithik Roshan.

He said, “It was long, long back - I think some 15-16 years back. But yeah, my choice of words wasn’t good, I must admit it. My intention was never to degrade him; I respect him a lot. It is long back.”

Related Story: When SS Rajamouli called Hrithik Roshan 'wasteful actor' and 'nothing' in front of Prabhas, old video resurfaces; watch

With both Yarlagadda and Rajamouli’s clarifications, the Hrithik vs Prabhas debate finally finds closure - reaffirming that Baahubali was, indeed, destined for the man who became its face, Rebel Star Prabhas.