Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Chetan Bhagat: SRK, Priyanka Chopra Were First Choices for '2 States'
A writer named Chetan Bhagat talked about an old movie called '2 States'.
He said that very famous actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were almost chosen to be the main characters.
But, the movie ended up starring actors Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who were new at the time.
The writer wasn't sure about this choice at first because he thought big stars would be in it.
However, he later realized that the newer actors made the movie feel fresh and exciting.
He also mentioned that for another movie, 'Kai Po Che!', many famous actors said no, but the ones who eventually took the roles became big stars.
Chetan Bhagat revealed that Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Priyanka Chopra were initially considered for the lead roles in the film '2 States'.
Vishal Bhardwaj was at one point attached to direct the film, with big stars being discussed for casting.
Bhagat expressed initial doubt when newcomers Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were cast as the lead actors.
He later found the casting of Kapoor and Bhatt to be surprisingly fresh and beneficial for the film's success.
Bhagat also shared that many actors rejected roles in 'Kai Po Che!' before Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, and Amit Sadh were cast.
- Who
- Chetan Bhagat
- What
- Revealed that Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Priyanka Chopra were considered for lead roles in the film '2 States' before Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were cast.
- When
- Recently (in an interview with Pinkvilla on Monday)
- Where
- In an interview with Pinkvilla
- Why
- To discuss the casting process and evolution of the film '2 States'.
Author's Initial Doubts
Final Outcome
Casting Choices
Author's Initial Doubts
Chetan Bhagat initially doubted the casting of then-newcomers Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, as bigger stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Priyanka Chopra were previously considered.
Final Outcome
Bhagat later found the freshness and youth of Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt to be beneficial and surprising, contributing to the film's success.
Director
Author's Initial Doubts
Vishal Bhardwaj was initially attached to direct '2 States'.
Final Outcome
The film was ultimately directed by Abhishek Varman.
- Based on Novel
- 2 States by Chetan Bhagat
- Original Lead Considerations
- Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra
- Final Lead Actors
- Arjun Kapoor, Alia Bhatt
- Original Director Consideration
- Vishal Bhardwaj
- Final Director
- Abhishek Varman
- Film Release Year
- 2014
- Other Bhagat Adaptation Mentioned
- Kai Po Che!
