Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat became overnight stars with the 2004 film “Murder.” Directed by Anurag Basu and produced by Mukesh Bhatt, the film received mixed reviews but became a superhit. Few know that Rajniesh Duggall was originally chosen for the lead role, not Emraan.
The film could have changed Duggall’s life, but he had a heartfelt reason for declining. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, the 1920 actor revealed he was offered the role just three days after winning Mr. India in March 2003. Filmmakers Mukesh Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt, who were his mentors during the pageant, made the offer. He said, “One day Mahesh Bhatt was the guest speaker. He came, scanned everyone, and asked us about ourselves. When everybody was naming themselves and giving a reason why they were sitting there, the reason I gave about my presence was ‘I am here to win’. I think that confidence stroked a chord.”
Rajniesh shared that the day after winning Mr. India, Mukesh Bhatt asked about a guy from Delhi, with producer Anshuman Swami pointing him out. Three days later, Rajniesh was called to the Bhatts’ office with Swami and composer Abu Malik.
He recalled Bhatt saying he was making a movie to re-launch his nephew, Emraan Hashmi, who had debuted in 2003’s Footpath. Rajniesh said, “I am taking a new girl called Reema Gill (Mallika Sherawat’s real name) who hails from Delhi NCR and he made me listen to Murder’s album which was amazing.”
Bhatt told Rajniesh there were two roles in the film—one of a husband and one of a boyfriend—and he saw Duggall fitting either role. Bhatt offered him the choice, with the other role going to Emraan. After hearing the bold story, which likely included intimate scenes, Rajniesh admitted he had a girlfriend (now his wife Pallavee) and couldn’t kiss on-screen.
Rajniesh said Bhatt was surprised but understood and respected his decision to turn down Murder for his girlfriend. Fortunately, Rajniesh made his debut later with the 2008 Vikram Bhatt movie 1920.
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