Did you know! Sanjay Leela Bhansali REJECTED Kareena Kapoor Khan for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Devdas

The filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known as the maestro for a reason. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Black, Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani, Devdas, and most recently Gangubai Kathiawadi are just a few of the epic masterpieces the director is renowned for creating. SLB is referred to as a visionary director for a reason, and his films have demonstrated this throughout time. But did you know that Kareena Kapoor Khan once criticised him for not including her in one of his films.

Bebo once claimed that Bhansali passed her through a screen test for the role of "Paro" in Devdas but did not cast her. She continued by saying that she was saddened because it was the start of her career and that she would no longer ever collaborate with him.

When Sanjay Leela Bhansali was questioned about Kareena Kapoor Khan's accusation, he gave the background information and said that everything genuinely did happen. SLB was cited in a 2002 Filmfare interview as saying, “She came to my house with Neeta Lulla and said she wanted to work with me… I told her that I hadn’t seen her work and that before casting her, I needed to see what she was capable of. We fixed up a photo shoot with the right costumes. Since Babitaji and Karisma Kapoor were also at the shoot, I made it clear to all of them that the shoot wasn’t a confirmation that I would cast Kareena. They were okay with that at the time. After going through the photographs, I told Kareena that I felt Aishwarya Rai was fabulous and perfect for Paro; she has the aristocratic looks I required.”

“Kareena didn’t say a word then but some days later I found her lashing out at me in print. She accused me of backing out after having given her the signing amount and contract. Believe me, this is not true. She also said I didn’t know how to make films. Kareena is a fabulous girl who’s doing very well in life. However, I’d like to inform her that I do know how to make films. She has tried to tell me that she was misquoted but I’d like her to know that I’ve heard those tapes", the filmmaker added.