Junaid Khan was considered for the role of Rahul in 'Aashiqui 2'

Later on, the same role was played by Aditya Roy Kapoor

KARACHI: Actor Junaid Khan recently made an appearance on Gupshup with Shaista TV show, where he revealed that he was considered for the lead role in Aashiqui 2.  However, things did not go according to the plan.


Talking to The Express Tribune, singer-cum-actor explained how a few years ago, the film's producers Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt started an online competition, where they opened the auditions for the public.

"It was called ‘who is going to be the next Aashiqui star’ after which I, along with two to three other people from Pakistan received a call from director Mohit Suri's team."

The 37-year-old star continued to explain how Vishesh films, the duo's production house had started this competition in order to discover a new face, preferably not from India. They wanted someone who wanted to work in Bollywood, knew acting along with music and was groomed enough to carry the role well.

Aashiqui 2 was a 2013 romantic film with a tragic ending. It was based on 1937's, A star was born, and was critically acclaimed with a 4-star rating.

It revolved around the story of Rahul Jaykar, the role which was offered to Junaid but was played by Aditiya Roy Kapoor. The character was a successful singer and musician until his career nosedives due to alcohol abuse. He then falls in love with fellow singer Arohi, played by Shraddha Kapoor, who tries to tame his addiction but fails miserably.

Khan explained how it was a big opportunity, given the fact that he was also a musician and that made him even more suitable for the role. Eventually, Mahesh found a co-producer for the film, who brought with him separate plans for the cast and the Aashiqui dream could not culminate for Khan.



"Many young actors, even those who did not know much acting participated in the campaign and sent in their auditions. However, Vishesh films suddenly became production partners with Bhushan Kumar's T-Series, after which they called off the competition and picked up their own cast."

Khan was disappointed by how it all ended but knew it was probably for the greater good. "Of course I felt bad later on, the film had a brilliant storyline and amazing songs, but I knew that everything happens for a reason."

The actor concluded  by saying that he does not want to sound like a big shot by appearing to have 'refused' the role, "I didn't refuse, it just didn't work out," further adding that any rumours suggesting otherwise, should not be entertained.

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