Sanjay Leela Bhansali Initially Considered Rani Mukerji for Gangubai Kathiawadi, Reveals Aditya Narayan

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi won acclaim, with Alia Bhatt earning a National Award for her portrayal of the titular character. However, singer and former Bhansali assistant Aditya Narayan revealed that the filmmaker had initially considered Rani Mukerji for the role.

In a chat with Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa on their YouTube channel, Aditya also spoke about his early career struggles. He described Shaapit as one of his “few failures,” admitting he agreed to sing in the Vikram Bhatt-directed film despite its eventual box office flop. Following the setback, Aditya said he was jobless for almost a year until he landed the chance to host X Factor, where Bhansali was a judge.

Aditya explained that Sonu Nigam suggested he assist Bhansali, giving him an entry into filmmaking. He recalled Bhansali initially treating his offer as a joke, but gradually assigning work. At the time, Bhansali was working on two scripts — Ram-Leela and Gangubai Kathiawadi — and asked his team to weigh in. “I also liked Ram-Leela more,” Aditya said.

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), based on a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai, tells the story of a young woman forced into prostitution who rises to power in Mumbai’s Kamathipura red-light district. The film, starring Alia Bhatt alongside Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Seema Pahwa, Jim Sarbh, and Ajay Devgn, grossed ₹211.5 crore worldwide.

Currently, Aditya Narayan appears on Ashneer Grover’s show Rise & Fall, while Bhansali is filming Love & War with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, set for release in 2026.