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5 films rejected by Ranveer Singh before Don 3 that later went to Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Shahid Kapoor
The chatter around Don 3 refuses to fade. Ever since reports surfaced claiming that Ranveer Singh allegedly exited the much-awaited action franchise, speculation around the actor’s career choices has intensified. The controversy escalated further after FWICE issued a non-cooperation directive against him, though advisor Ashoke Pandit later clarified that the organisation holds no authority to officially ban any actor.
Must Read: Ranveer Singh faces ‘non-cooperation’ after Don 3 fallout; FWICE clarifies, ‘It’s not a ban’
Amid the ongoing debate, another interesting pattern has caught fans’ attention — several major Bollywood films once linked to Ranveer Singh eventually found their leading men in Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Shahid Kapoor.
Here’s a look at five such projects.
Love & War: Vicky Kaushal Stepped Into The Battlefield
When Sanjay Leela Bhansali began assembling the cast of Love & War, Ranveer Singh’s name reportedly surfaced for one of the key parts. However, reports suggested the actor backed out because the role was not positioned as the central lead.
The role eventually landed with Vicky Kaushal, who now headlines the film alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, turning the project into one of Bollywood’s most anticipated spectacles.
Animal: The Dark Thriller Ranveer Didn’t Pursue
Before Animal transformed into a box-office juggernaut, the film was reportedly offered to Ranveer Singh. The actor is believed to have passed on the project due to discomfort with its emotionally brutal and violent narrative.
The role later went to Ranbir Kapoor, whose intense portrayal became one of the most talked-about performances of his career.
Sam Bahadur: Vicky Kaushal Took Charge
Ranveer Singh was also reportedly considered for Sam Bahadur, the biopic based on India’s legendary military leader Sam Manekshaw. According to reports, the actor stepped away because of scheduling conflicts and hesitation about taking on another real-life role so soon after portraying Kapil Dev in 83.
The film ultimately went to Vicky Kaushal, whose performance earned widespread praise.
Kabir Singh: Shahid Kapoor’s Career-Changing Hit
Long before Kabir Singh became a cultural phenomenon, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga had reportedly approached Ranveer Singh for the lead role. However, the actor allegedly felt the film’s aggressive emotional world was excessively dark at the time.
The project eventually went to Shahid Kapoor, whose performance became one of the defining moments of his career.
Bombay Velvet: The Role That Could Have Been Ranveer’s
Years before Ranbir Kapoor entered the troubled yet ambitious universe of Bombay Velvet, Ranveer Singh was reportedly being considered for the role of Johnny Balraj. Given Ranveer’s explosive screen energy, many fans still wonder how differently Anurag Kashyap’s noir drama might have unfolded had he headlined the film instead.
What’s Happening With Don 3?
The biggest talking point, however, remains Don 3. Reports claim Ranveer Singh exited the project after disagreements over the script, creative direction and production timeline. Buzz also suggests the actor stepped away just weeks before filming was expected to begin.
While neither the makers nor Ranveer Singh have issued a detailed official clarification, the uncertainty surrounding the film continues to fuel intense online debate.
