As fate would have it: Fawad Khan was first choice for ‘Happy Bhag Jayegi’

Role eventually went to Abhay Deol, due to scheduling issues


Ians August 11, 2016
Fawad was last seen in 2016’s Kapoor & Sons. PHOTO: FILE

MUMBAI: The makers of the upcoming, quirky, cross-border comedy Happy Bhag Jayegi were initially planning to cast Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan as the male lead, which was eventually played by Abhay Deol.

When asked if they had considered casting Fawad, producer Krishika Lulla said, “We were contemplating it but it was a long time back. Yes, we did think of Fawad but, at that time, he was doing something else and his dates were not there.”

Ultimately, it was Abhay who “loved the script” and came on board. “He is very choosy about his projects. It’s the content that got Abhay and Diana Penty together for the film but we have Pakistani actors also. It was a good experience,” added Lulla. She claimed that while most cross-border films are hard-hitting, Happy Bhag Jayegi will be the opposite. “It’s a different kind of film. We are also coming at the right time. After Rustom and Mohenjo Daro, this will be a refreshing light-hearted watch.”

Happy Bhag Jayegi has been written and directed by Mudassar Aziz. Releasing on August 19, it also stars Ali Fazal and Pakistani actor Momal Sheikh as the supporting cast. In the film, Abhay will be essaying the role of a Pakistani man named Bilal.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2016.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ