Veteran filmmaker and producer Suneel Darshan has revealed that Kareena Kapoor was the first choice for Priyanka Chopra’s role in Aitraaz. However, Kapoor opted for the heroine’s role instead of the antagonist’s
role, as female villains were seen as vamps. However, Darshan thinks that she made a big mistake, and lauded Chopra for her attitude. Darshan mentioned that Kareena Kapoor prefers the easy way.
“There are times when actors miscalculate,” Darshan told Bollywood Bubble. “At that time, a negative role was still viewed as something like a vamp. And the fact that Priyanka was cast alongside Amrish Puri as his wife, so it felt more like a Shashikala-type role,” he added.
Darshan mentioned, “You know, like the ones Shashikala or Bindu used to play in older films. But with time, narratives change, and so do perspectives. And I thought to myself, my God, Bebo (Kareena) made such a big mistake.”
He said, “But Bebo is Bebo. She always wanted to glide through everything easily. She lost out on that role because she chose not to do it. She picked the heroine’s part opposite the hero. She could have taken Priyanka’s role, too, but she didn’t.”
Darshan lauded Priyanka Chopra for choosing the role and said, “Priyanka was at a stage where she was on the rise. She was the go-getter. Whatever she wanted, she went after and got it. And that role justified something that wasn’t considered normal, it made you believe in it.”
Aitraaz is a 2004 Indian Bollywood thriller directed by Abbas-Mustan. The movie stars Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra in pivotal roles, and it explores themes of sexual harassment, power dynamics, and morality in a corporate setting.
Priyanka Chopra’s performance as the antagonist Sonia was widely praised, marking a turning point in her career by showcasing her ability to play a strong, negative role with conviction. Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of the accused man balancing personal and professional turmoil was said to be convincing and relatable. Kareena Kapoor brought emotional depth as the supportive yet conflicted wife.
Aitraaz combined elements of thriller, drama, and courtroom suspense, maintaining tension throughout the narrative. The film’s music, composed by Himesh Reshammiya, also contributed to its popularity.
