Mahesh Babu, Nora Fatehi To Vijay- Five Actors Who Turned Down Roles In 'Pushpa: The Rise'

'Pushpa: The Rise' has become the top-grossing movie of 2021 with the film turning into a Pan-India sensation. The movie has been ruling hearts and box office ever since its release.

Its amazing story, engaging dialogues, brilliant performances by lead actors and the crackling chemistry of Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna alng with a sizzling performance by Samantha have left the fans hooked on to it.

However, before the film finally hit the screen last year, a lot of to-and-fros happened between the makers and the people involved with many times actors being replaced or changed due to several factors. 

During Pushpa's making also, the makers had faced a similar situation, where some actors couldn't get on board due to various reasons.

Meanwhile, you will be surprised to know that five other top actors were also offered roles in Pushpa but they had rejected it owing to various reasons:

Mahesh Babu

Telugu Superstar Mahesh Babu was the first choice of director Sukumar to play the titular role of Pushpa. He had also approached Mahesh for the film however the project couldn’t materialise due to creative differences.

Sukumar then alerted the script to suit the narrative of the final project and Allu Arjun stepped in eventually.

Speaking about the same, Sukumar had earlier said during the film promotions, “The story I narrated to Mahesh Babu was also based on red sander smuggling, but that was a while ago. Once I came out of the project, I wrote a different story. I wanted the character attitude. And with Mahesh Babu, I couldn’t make him cool. He is very fair. So, the backdrop was the same, but the story is different.”

Samantha 

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's special number in the movie 'Oo Antava' has been garnering all love and adulation from everyone. However, rumour has it that Samantha was offered the lead role of Srivalli opposite Allu Arjun in the film but the actress had declined it earlier leading Rashmika Mandanna to essay the role.

Vijay Sethupathi

Tamil Superstar Vijay Sethupati who was director Sukumar's original choice for playing the antagonist in the film, however, 
Sethupati opted out of the project following the issue of the dates. The star revealed that he had personally met Sukumar to convey his date issues. He also remarked that he wanted to do the film, but was caught in a date issue. His role later went to Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil. 

Nora Fatehi 

Dancing queen Nora Fatehi who is known for sexy moves was reportedly approached by the makers for 'Oo Antava' number. But it couldn't materialise as Nora demanded a hefty sum for the song.

Disha Patani

Bollywood's Disha Patani was offered the song 'Oo Antava', which was eventually taken up by Samantha and now we can't visualise any other actress in the song.

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)