Rajkummar Rao was the first choice for Chhapaak, says ‘I loved that script but my dates were so messed up’

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has said that he was the first choice to play the role that eventually went to Vikrant Massey in Chhapaak, directed by Meghna Gulzar and starring Deepika Padukone as an acid attack survivor.

Asked about if he had turned down the part, Rajkummar said in a recent chat show, “I didn’t turn it down. Of course not! I loved that script but my dates were so messed up. I’m so looking forward to that film. I kept telling Meghna and Deepika that it’s my loss.”

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The official first look picture and more images from the sets have been shared online and Deepika is being applauded for her look as an acid attack survivor named Malti. When the first poster came out, Rajkummar tweeted in praise of Deepika: “This is brilliant. Can’t wait to see you as #Malti. It’s path breaking. More power to you Deepika.”

Talking about the extensive prosthetics work in the film, Meghna had said at an event, “You won’t be seeing Deepika, you know. You will be seeing a disfigured Deepika. There is an uncanny similarity between the survivor and Deepika.”

The Raazi filmmaker also wrote a long note on Deepika’s official website: “My film was based on acid violence. Of a woman who epitomized immense courage and strength, in the face of crippling adversity.” She also shared that Deepika often jokes around that she agreed to do the film “because of a scene where she gets to eat kairi (raw mangoes) with salt and red chilli powder.”

Last seen in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga with Sonam Kapoor, Rajkummar is currently working on his next with Mouni Roy, Made in China. He is also set for the release of Prakash Kovelamudi’s Mental Hai Kya, in which he will star opposite Kangana Ranaut. He will begin shooting for Rooh Afza, opposite Janhvi Kapoor, in June.

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