“A Married Man Should Be More Responsible”: Suneel Darshan Recounts Why He Dropped Akshay Kumar for Priyanka Chopra in ‘Barsaat’
In a candid revelation that has shed new light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of early 2000s Bollywood, filmmaker Suneel Darshan has opened up about a major casting shake-up that occurred during the production of his film Barsaat. The director revealed that he was forced to choose between lead actors Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra due to growing personal tensions that threatened to jeopardize the project.
The Conflict Behind ‘Barsaat’
Suneel Darshan, who previously directed the duo in their hit debut Andaaz, had initially planned to reunite Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, and Bipasha Basu for the 2005 film Barsaat. According to the filmmaker, the team had already completed the title track, but the project hit a standstill after a short hiatus.
Speaking to the YouTube channel Minutes of Masala, Darshan explained that upon attempting to resume production, it became clear that the two stars could no longer work together. “We realised that both Akshay and Priyanka can’t do the film together,” he stated.
The filmmaker recalled being “shocked” when Akshay Kumar requested him to indefinitely postpone the production. Faced with a fully assembled crew and a stalled set, Darshan had to make a tough call. Ultimately, he decided to prioritize the film’s completion, opting to replace the leading man rather than the lead actress.
Prioritizing Professionalism
“I felt that a married man should be more responsible. Priyanka wasn’t married. So I thought that if I have to make a choice, Priyanka should remain in the film,” Darshan explained. He expressed deep frustration over the lack of professionalism shown during the period, noting that he was “very upset” by the unfolding drama.
Darshan hinted that the decision was driven by the need to avoid “repercussions” within Akshay Kumar’s family. In a separate interview with Friday Talkies, the director alleged that persistent rumors regarding an affair between the two actors had caused significant friction at home, eventually leading to the casting change. Bobby Deol was subsequently brought in to play the role originally intended for Akshay.
Reflecting on Priyanka Chopra’s Beginnings
Beyond the casting controversy, Darshan shared fond memories of discovering Priyanka Chopra. He recalled her visiting his office shortly after her Miss World win. Though he admits he wasn’t immediately blown away, her resemblance to veteran star Rekha and her sheer work ethic soon won him over.
The filmmaker recounted that he insisted on a minor cosmetic adjustment—specifically regarding her nose—before filming began. He praised her for her dedication, noting that even when she suffered foot injuries during dance rehearsals, she would practice from early morning until midnight to ensure her performance was perfect.
Reflecting on her career path, Darshan noted that she brought an “unimaginable” energy to her debut. “She was very hardworking, very dynamic. She knew she had to make it to the top,” he added.
The filmmaker’s recent disclosures have reignited interest in the a married man should be more responsible controversy, serving as a reminder of the intense pressures and personal complexities that often define the lives of Bollywood’s biggest stars.