Vikram reveals he missed out on the lead role in Mani Ratnam's Bombay, admits to "crying for 2 months"

Vikram explained that he didn't refuse the role in "Bombay" but rather made a mistake during the audition.

In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, actor Vikram revealed a surprising twist in his early career. Initially, the acclaimed actor was considered for the lead role of Shekhar Narayanan Pillai in Mani Ratnam's 1995 film, "Bombay."

However, due to a misstep during the audition, the role ultimately went to Arvind Swami. Manisha Koirala played the female lead, Shaila Banu. Vikram shared his disappointment and the emotional toll it took on him, admitting that he cried for two months after losing out on the opportunity to work with the legendary director.

The Thangalaan actress clarified that he didn't turn down the role in "Bombay." He was replaced due to an unsatisfactory audition performance.

Vikram explained that he didn't refuse the role in "Bombay" but rather made a mistake during the audition. Mani Ratnam unexpectedly asked him to audition using a still camera. Vikram struggled to act naturally, freezing when asked to look at a running girl. He was confused because he thought his movements would blur the image.

Vikram shared that he was deeply saddened by losing out on the role in "Bombay," and cried for two months following the audition.

Also Read: Chiyaan Vikram starrer Thangalaan to release in North India on September 6

He revealed in the interview, "It was a dream for me to work with Shankar sir and Mani sir. I was ready to retire after this film; I didn’t need anything after that. I was even confirmed for it. The morning was her (Manisha Koirala) photoshoot and, the evening was mine. But I screwed it up. For two months, every day, I would wake up and cry, sh*t I lost it. A grown man crying for two months. That film went on to be a pan-India cult hit and Uyire is my favourite song. But I got my revenge by getting two films with him for that. (Ponniyin Selvan: I and II).” said the actor in a joking manner.

Vikram's recent film, "Thangalaan," directed by Pa Ranjith, was released in August. He is currently working on another film titled "Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2," directed by SU Arun Kumar.