Salman Khan once revealed Mrunal Thakur was the first choice for Sultan

In the vast and ever-evolving world of Bollywood, casting choices often pique the curiosity of audiences, providing a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of their favorite films. One such intriguing revelation came from none other than Salman Khan, who disclosed that the talented actress Mrunal Thakur was initially considered for the female lead in his 2016 blockbuster, 'Sultan.'

Mrunal Thakur has established herself as a formidable actress in both Hindi and Telugu cinema. Celebrated for her versatile roles, she has captivated audiences with her performances in films such as 'Sita Ramam,' 'Jersey,' 'Hi Nanna,' and 'Super 30.' Her journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by significant milestones, and today, she stands as a prominent figure in Indian cinema.

Murnal Thakur's Bollywood debut came with the 2018 film 'Love Sonia,' a project that showcased her immense talent and opened numerous doors for her in the industry. Her portrayal in 'Love Sonia' was critically acclaimed, and it was this performance that solidified her reputation as a versatile and dedicated actress.

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The story behind Mrunal Thakur’s near-casting in 'Sultan' is as compelling as it is unexpected. During an episode of 'Bigg Boss Weekend Ka Vaar,' a show hosted by Salman Khan, the superstar shared an interesting tidbit about Mrunal Thakur's early career. To promote her film 'Jersey,' in which she starred alongside Shahid Kapoor, Thakur appeared on the show. It was during this appearance that Salman Khan revealed Thakur was the original choice for the female lead in 'Sultan.'

'Sultan,' directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, is a sports drama that tells the story of a wrestler's journey, both in and out of the ring. The role eventually went to Anushka Sharma, who delivered a stellar performance as Aarfa, a wrestler who becomes a significant part of Sultan's life. However, according to Salman, Thakur was initially brought to his Panvel farmhouse by Zafar for a meeting regarding the role.

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The reason Mrunal Thakur did not ultimately secure the role came down to physical appearance and suitability for the character. Salman Khan explained that the team found Mrunal unfit for the role of Aarfa, primarily because she did not look the part of a wrestler at the time. They needed someone who could convincingly portray a wrestler, and despite her talent, Thakur, who had lost a lot of weight, did not fit the physical profile they were looking for.

This casting decision highlights the rigorous process behind selecting the perfect actor for a role, especially in a film that demands a specific physicality and presence. Anushka Sharma's eventual casting was due to her ability to meet these physical requirements and her undeniable on-screen chemistry with Salman Khan.

Despite not landing the role in 'Sultan,' Mrunal Thakur's career trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. She has continued to take on challenging roles and has proven her mettle as a versatile actress. Recently, she made a special cameo in 'Kalki 2898 AD,' surprising fans with her role as Divya.

Looking ahead, Thakur is expected to collaborate with Prabhas in an upcoming film directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, who also directed 'Sita Ramam.' This project is anticipated to be one of the biggest ventures of her career, further solidifying her status in the industry.