Sukumar’s Pushpa franchise became a box office phenomenon, with stellar performances by Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil. While Fahadh earned accolades for his portrayal of the menacing cop Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, recent revelations suggest that he wasn’t the original pick for the role.
Nara Rohith Was Initially Approached for Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat
In a recent interview with M9 News, actor Nara Rohith confirmed that he was initially approached to play the antagonist in Pushpa. He recalled,
“I posted some pictures with a moustache during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ravi Shankar garu spoke to me first, as did Sukumar garu. Then the span of the film changed, and they wanted Fahadh. But initially, they did speak to me.”
While Rohith was intrigued by the opportunity, he admitted having doubts about whether he could have done justice to such a layered character.
“I don’t know if I could’ve played the character like he did. Maybe, if I were on that set, I could’ve vibed and done it. But after seeing Fahadh, I was like, okay. That was terrific, actually,” he added.
Fahadh Faasil’s Honest Take on His Role
Fahadh Faasil, who played a casteist and vengeful police officer determined to bring down the red sandalwood smuggling syndicate led by Pushpa, earlier shared a candid opinion about the character.
In an interview with Film Companion, he stated,
“I don’t think Pushpa did anything for me. I told Sukumar Sir that. I don’t have to hide it. I have to be honest.”
Despite his honest admission, fans and critics widely praised his intense performance, which added depth to the gritty narrative of the film.
Nara Rohith’s Comeback and Upcoming Projects
Nara Rohith took a break from cinema following the box office failure of his 2018 film Veera Bhoga Vasantha Rayalu. However, he made a notable comeback in 2024 with Prathinidhi 2, reigniting his presence in Telugu cinema.
The year also marked a personal milestone as he got engaged to actress Siree Lella, one of his co-stars.
Looking ahead, Rohith is gearing up for an exciting new phase with films like:
- Sundarakanda
- Bhairavam
These upcoming projects hint at a promising resurgence for the actor.
Final Thoughts
While Fahadh Faasil’s Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat has become iconic, the recent revelation about Nara Rohith’s near-casting adds an interesting layer to the film’s legacy. It’s a classic example of how casting decisions can evolve, sometimes leading to unforgettable performances and, other times, creating intriguing “what-ifs” in cinema history.
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