Before Fahadh Faasil, THIS actor was the original choice for Pushpa's Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, latter says 'Sukumar garu spoke to me first...'

Fahadh Fassil not the first choice for Antagonist in Pushpa and Pushpa 2

The making of the Pushpa films—Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024)—was a labour of love that spanned five years under the direction of Sukumar. The roles portrayed by Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil have become so iconic and synonymous with their actors that it’s difficult to picture anyone else stepping into those characters.

Yet, in a recent interview with M9 News, actor Nara Rohith revealed that he was originally considered for the role of Bhanwar Singh Shekawat, the antagonist played by Fahadh Faasil.

When questioned about whether he was approached for Fahadh’s part in Pushpa, Rohith confirmed the claim. He shared, “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.”

Rohith expressed that although he was keen on taking up the role, he remained unsure if he could have matched Fahadh’s portrayal. “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.”

In the Pushpa series, the character Bhanwar Singh Shekawat is the principal antagonist to Allu Arjun’s titular character—a police officer characterised by his casteist mindset, relentless in his mission to dismantle the red sanders smuggling operation at any cost. Interestingly, Fahadh himself expressed a lack of enthusiasm for the role in a 2024 interview with Film Companion, stating, “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.”

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Regarding Nara Rohith's recent acting career, he took a break after Veera Bhoga Vasantha Rayalu, his 2018 film, did poorly at the box office.

In 2024, he made a comeback to the big screen with Prathinidhi 2, the same year he got engaged to Siree Lella, his co-star. A promising new chapter in Rohith's career is about to begin with his upcoming roles in Sundarakanda and Bhairavam.