The success of Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar 2 continues to dominate headlines—not just for box office numbers but also for behind-the-scenes revelations.

In a recent interview, casting director Mukesh Chhabra dropped a surprising detail: before Akshaye Khanna made the role iconic, at least three actors had turned it down.

Rehman Dacoit: The Role That Changed Everything

When audiences first saw Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dacoit, the reaction was immediate and overwhelming. His intense performance, unique dialogue delivery, and powerful screen presence turned the character into one of the most memorable parts of the film.

The role not only impressed fans but also reshaped Khanna’s on-screen image. Even in Dhurandhar 2, where his absence was felt, viewers continued to talk about the impact of his character from the first installment.

Mukesh Chhabra’s Big Reveal

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Mukesh Chhabra shared insights into the casting journey of the film.

He revealed that the script itself was so gripping that he listened to it for nearly four hours without taking a break. Despite his experience in casting, he admitted feeling nervous due to the scale and complexity of the project.

According to Chhabra, the film required an extensive search for actors across multiple roles, making it one of the most challenging casting assignments of his career.

Around 400 Characters Cast for the Film

Highlighting the film’s scale, Chhabra explained that if both parts of the franchise are combined, nearly 400 characters had to be cast.

To manage this massive task, he formed a dedicated team of six members and began an extensive search for fresh faces and suitable actors. Director Aditya Dhar reportedly gave him complete creative freedom and encouraged him to think big.

Dhar was confident from the beginning that the film would break records and that every character would receive recognition.

3 Actors Rejected the Iconic Role

One of the most surprising revelations was that several actors refused to play Rehman Dacoit.

Chhabra disclosed that:

• One South Indian actor
• Two Bollywood actors

…turned down the role for various reasons.

While he did not reveal their names, he hinted that their decision might now be a regret, considering how iconic the character became.

According to him, some actors hesitated because the film was perceived as a multi-starrer and largely centered around Ranveer Singh. However, the team chose to move forward without dwelling on these rejections.

How Ranveer Singh Became the Face of the Film

Chhabra also confirmed that Ranveer Singh was always the first choice for the lead role of Hamza in Dhurandhar.

He revealed that while many actors declined various roles during the casting process, Singh showed immediate interest. The actor was reportedly waiting for a project of this scale and quickly agreed to come on board.

The casting process itself took nearly two years, beginning in early 2024, reflecting the effort invested in building the film’s ensemble.

Why This Revelation Matters

Stories like these highlight how casting decisions can shape a film’s legacy. What some actors initially rejected turned out to be a career-defining opportunity for Akshaye Khanna.

It also shows how filmmakers often take risks and trust their instincts, even when faced with multiple rejections.