Rang De Basanti was nearly a different film until Aamir Khan stepped up

It’s hard to imagine anyone but Aamir Khan as the charismatic DJ in Rang De Basanti,a role etched deep into the hearts of Indian cinema lovers. His portrayal of a carefree youth turning revolutionary became an iconic benchmark. But what if we told you that this wasn’t always the plan? That the original DJ was supposed to be none other than the master performer Manoj Bajpayee? Yes, the cinematic journey of Rang De Basanti could have looked very different.

A Small Film with a Big Heart

In a recent interview on Ravya Sarda’s YouTube show, screenwriter Kamlesh Pandey revealed that Rang De Basanti was initially conceived as a small, low-budget film. The team had been pitching the script for six long years, only to face repeated rejections. During that time, Manoj Bajpayee had already signed on to play the lead role of DJ, aka Chandrashekhar Azad.

Also Read: Aamir Khan gave away Rang De Basanti's climax scene to Siddharth? Know why

Enter Aamir Khan: The Game-Changer

Everything changed when Aamir Khan heard the script. Moved by its message, he not only expressed interest in playing DJ but also brought on board music maestro AR Rahman. With Aamir’s star power and vision, the project evolved into something far bigger than originally planned. UTV, which had twice turned down the film, immediately came on board after Aamir’s involvement.

A Script Misunderstood

Kamlesh shared a humorous yet frustrating aspect of the early days—many producers misunderstood the film's title and message.
 “They thought it was a Sholay remake from Basanti’s point of view,” he laughed. “They even asked who would play Basanti, and I’d jokingly say Esha Deol. They took it seriously!”

Aamir Khan 'Gave Away' Rang De Basanti's Climax Scene to Siddharth!

During a recent interview, actor Kunal Kapoor, who played Aslam in the movie, revealed that Aamir 'gave away' the climax scene to Siddharth.

Notably, in the climax scene of Rang De Basanti, Siddharth's character enters the radio station and speaks on behalf of the entire gang.

During the conversation on the YouTube channel Khaane Mein Kya Hai, Kunal revealed that the climax scene was supposed to have all of them going to the radio station and sharing a few words. However, Aamir came up with the idea to let only one speak on the radio.

Legacy That Transcended Casting

While Manoj Bajpayee’s acting prowess is unquestionable, it’s undeniable that Aamir Khan’s involvement elevated Rang De Basanti to an entirely different level—culturally, emotionally, and cinematically. The film didn’t just entertain; it ignited a generation, and DJ became more than a character—he became a symbol.

Almost two decades later, Rang De Basanti continues to resonate with audiences, and DJ remains one of Aamir Khan’s most cherished roles. While it's fascinating to imagine what might have been, the path the film eventually took became legendary. And if you’re feeling nostalgic after this tale of what-ifs, you can relive the magic—Rang De Basanti is now streaming on OTT platforms.