Thu Nov 07 15:28:11 UTC 2024: ## Kamal Haasan Almost Missed Out on Iconic Role in “Indian”
**Hyderabad, India:** While Kamal Haasan is synonymous with the role of Senapathi in the 1996 blockbuster “Indian” (Bharatiyudu in Telugu), it was almost a different superstar who graced the screen. According to Vasanth Balan, an assistant director on the film, director Shankar initially approached Rajinikanth for the role.
Rajinikanth reportedly loved the story, titled “Periya Manushan,” but due to his existing commitments, he couldn’t take on the project. Shankar then approached Kamal Haasan, who embraced the iconic character with his signature intensity.
Interestingly, the casting process extended beyond the lead role. Actors like Nagarjuna and Venkatesh were considered for the role of the son, while Rajasekhar was considered for the father role. While these stars missed out, Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of both roles became legendary, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
The “Indian” franchise continues to captivate audiences, with a sequel, “Indian 2,” released in 2024, featuring Kamal Haasan reprising his role. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of “Indian 3,” slated for January 2025.
This revelation adds another layer to the already fascinating backstory of “Indian,” reminding us that cinematic history is often shaped by unexpected twists and turns.
First Piper 