Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Animal is one of the most-talked-about films of the year. The film’s characters and artists have received rave reviews for their performance- from Ranbir’s portrayal of Ranvijay, Bobby Deol’s Abrar Haque to Rashmika’s character, Geetanjali.
But, do you know Sandeep Reddy Vanga had first signed Parineeti Chopra for Geetanjali and not Rashmika Mandanna?
Recently, in an interview with Komal Nahta, he opened up about the same and why he chose Rashmika over Parineeti Chopra for Geetanjali’s character. He also revealed how Parineeti Chopra was his first choice for the character of Preeti in the blockbuster film Kabir Singh, starring Shahid Kapoor
Opening up about why he chose Rashmika over Parineeti, Vanga said, “Actually, galati mera hi hai. I said, ‘Ho sake toh maaf karo mujhe.’ I signed her one and a half years before the shoot and for some reasons, I didn’t see Geetanjali in her. Kuch kuch characters kuch kuch logo ko set nahi hota hai.”
He also revealed his initial pick for the character of Preeti in the blockbuster film Kabir Singh, starring Shahid Kapoor.
The director further elaborated on his casting process, emphasizing that he relies on instincts rather than auditions. Despite his admiration for Parineeti's acting skills, circumstances led to the decision to cast someone else for the role of Geetanjali.
“Main kabhi audition main believe nahi karta. I go with my instinct only. That I know. From day one I have liked her acting and I always wanted to cast her as Preeti also in Kabir Singh but hua nahi uss time. That’s long due. I always wanted to work with her. I told her and she also knows that. I told her, ‘Sorry, nothing is bigger than the film. So I’m taking this decision and going ahead with another artist.’ She felt bad but she understood why I was saying that," Vanga said.