2019 was one of the most memorable years for the Hindi film industry, as it introduced the fans to a menacing yet passionate lover named Kabir Singh. The Bollywood movie was a Hindi adaptation of the Telugu movie Arjun Reddy, which was headlined by Vijay Deverakonda. But did you know that before finalizing Shahid Kapoor, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's first choice was Ranveer Singh?

The filmmaker helmed both the original Telugu version and the Hindi remake of the popular film. However, when Ranveer Singh rejected the film, it was Shahid Kapoor who came onboard to play the aggressive, madly-in-love protagonist, Kabir Singh.

Why did Ranveer Singh reject Kabir Singh?

Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who is now gearing up for his upcoming release, Animal, revealed how Shahid became his final choice to play Kabir Singh. The filmmaker first approached Mahesh Babu. However, the South superstar had already signed another film.

He then went to the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor for his second film. However, Ranveer rejected headlining the film as the script was too dark for him. Isn't it ironic that he also played Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat, probably one of the darkest and most burlesque characters in the history of Bollywood?

In a recent interview, Vanga opened up about the same and said, 'I was continuously getting calls from Mumbai to do the remake. First, it was pitched to Ranveer Singh. I wanted to do it with him. But finally, he decided he would not do it because it was too dark for him at that time.'

Also Read: Rashmika Madnanna Says 'Kabir Singh' and 'Arjun Reddy' Weren't Violent Films

He also thought that the remake would not work out and went on to focus on another Telugu film.

In the same interview, Sandeep also mentioned his doubts about remaking Arjun Reddy in Hindi. Had Kabir Singh not worked out, it would have been a shame on the director, given that the original movie shattered the box office.

After Ranveer Singh rejected the role, it was Shahid Kapoor who finally came on board. The filmmaker further added about Shahid's dicey track record when it came to carrying a film on his shoulders.

'Shahid's track record was a concern none of his solo films had done100 crore then his highest was 65 crore. They used to say55 crore,65 crore is the kind of business Telugu movies do. 'Why are you doing it with this guy? If it were Ranveer, the box office would be higher'. But I was always sure about Shahid he's a fantastic actor,' Vanga further added.

Much like Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh was an out-and-out blockbuster. Starring Shahid and Kiara Advani, the 2019 release went on to see a 380 crore collection globally.

While some loved the movie, others found it highly debatable. There were some serious discussions about the hero of the film being violent, overly possessive, and aggressive toward his ladylove.

On the work front

Sandeep Reddy Vanga is now gearing up for his upcoming film, Animal. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor in the leading roles.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor Reveals How His Character In Animal Different From Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Past Leads

Being one of the most anticipated films, its trailer has already garnered several eyeballs. Animal is all set to release on December 1 in cinemas near you.