Nushrratt Bharuccha took on the female lead opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in the 2019 comedy “Dream Girl.” Recently, Nushrratt candidly shared her disappointment about not being selected for the sequel, “Dream Girl 2,” where Ananya Panday now plays the new heroine. In an interview, Nushrratt expressed her bewilderment, sharing that she was left without any explanation or rationale for her replacement. The actress conveyed her sense of disappointment and hurt, voicing her feelings on the producers’ decision.
Speaking to ETimes, Nushrratt revealed, “I was a part of ‘Dream Girl 1’ and I love that whole team. I terribly miss working with them. But why they didn’t cast me in ‘Dream Girl 2,’ I think only they can answer. I don’t know, there is no logic and there is no answer to it. But why didn’t they cast me? I am a human being, so of course it hurts. And of course it feels unfair. But I get it, it is their decision. Cool, no problem.”
Reacting to Nushrratt’s comments on being hurt after being replaced by Ananya Panday, many people took to Reddit and said:Â
“That’s how Bollywood works. Take the outsider and make a hit. Insiders then lobby/arm-twist to work with the director and brand and easily cash in on the success.”, wrote someone. Another netizen wrote, “Yikes 😬😬😬. I also thought Nepo kids get unnecessary hate but now I kinda see why”
“Well, it was a downgrade for them, so their loss.”, wrote one netizen. Another user said, “The truth of Bollywood. Kick insiders out to make space for nepobabies.”
“Nushrrat is quite underrated. She has not done any Vidya in Kahani/Dirty Picture or Kangana in Queen-type roles yet to solidify her as a lead performer, but her performance in Soni ke teetu… and Pyaar ka Punchnama is effortless…Hoping Akeli does well.”, somebody mentioned.Â
“Man that sucks. If it was someone who she admired that got the role at least it’s a consolation. But Ananya Panday being handed over your role must hurt on so many levels.” wrote a user. Some other user mentioned, “Ananya is terrible in the trailer and whatever songs she’s posted on her Instagram. She shot for this film after her terrible performance in Liger, one would expect her to at least improve after that debacle but she hasn’t.”
“These new nepos can’t even pull off flower pot roles Even Sara would’ve been a better choice, at least she wasn’t unbearable in her film w Vicky.”, wrote a netizen. Another user mentioned, “Yeah it really feels odd. Choosing nepo kids over someone who is talented. Movie will just not be the same without her.”
Interestingly, for those not in the know, Nushrratt’s movie “Akelli” also hits theaters on the same day as the release of “Dream Girl 2.” Reflecting on this coincidence, she expressed her surprise and said, “I didn’t know my film was going to be released on the same day as ‘Dream Girl 2’. Technically my film was to release on the 18th but because of some censor issues, we didn’t have permissions of a certain kind and we had to delay it. We didn’t want to, but had to. Raj sir reacted to my story and said, ‘All the best’. And I responded to him saying, ‘Sir, something is connected in our universe. I wasn’t in your film, but my second film is releasing on the same day’. So we have come to a place where we can smile about it.”
In her upcoming film “Akelli,” Nushrratt plays the role of a journalist who becomes embroiled in a risky situation while investigating a story. Directed by Pranay Meshram, the movie also features Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, and Aditi Rao Hydari in significant roles.Â
Nushrratt Bharucha made her Bollywood debut in 2006 and has since been a part of several notable films, including “Pyaar Ka Punchnama,” “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety,” “Chhalaang,” and “Ajeeb Daastaans.” Her journey in the industry has been marked by a diverse range of roles and performances.
What do you think about Nushrratt being replaced by Ananya Panday in Dream Girl 2? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.Â
In case you haven’t watched the trailer for Dream Girl 2, here it is:Â