Not Alia Bhatt-Arjun Kapoor, SRK And Priyanka Chopra Were First Choices For 2 States; Know Why

Author Chetan Bhagat opened up about some lesser-known details surrounding the making of 2 States. The novelist, known for his sharp observations on relationships and middle-class aspirations, discussed how major Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were once considered to headline the romantic drama, long before Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt came on board.

“There was a time Vishal Bharadwaj was going to make it,” Bhagat told Pinkvilla. “There was a time when Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Priyanka Chopra’s names were talked about. I think 2 States sabhi ke naam ka article to aaya hi tha,” he added, referring to the speculation around its early casting choices.

Bhagat admitted that he initially had doubts when the final cast

was announced, especially since the film was handed to a new director, Abhishek Varman, with relatively new actors. “To be honest, when they said, there is a new director and it’s Arjun Kapoor who had one movie and Alia Bhatt who had one movie, Student of the Year, I was like ‘okay,’ but this is not what was discussed,” Bhagat said.

However, the author later appreciated the casting decision, calling it a refreshing move that lent authenticity and youthful energy to the adaptation. “It was such a nice casting, and it made the movie fresh because they were young. If it were older actors, I don’t know, maybe they would have done a great job. But it was very surprising,” he admitted.

On Kai Po Che and Shah Rukh Khan’s Kindness
Reflecting on another of his adaptations, Bhagat shared that Kai Po Che was initially rejected by several actors before Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, and Amit Sadh made it “immortal.” He even called it the best adaptation of his work.

The author also recounted memorable gestures of humility from Shah Rukh Khan. He remembered visiting the sets of Om Shanti Om with his mother, where “Shah Rukh himself pulled a chair” for them. On another occasion, SRK walked them to their car to bid goodbye, a gesture Bhagat said made him feel “very special and close.”