How Rejection from Agneepath Fueled Abhishek Banerjee's Rise to Stardom In Vedaa and Stree 2?
Abhishek Banerjee, known for his compelling performances in films like Stree 2 and Vedaa, recently shared an insightful reflection on his early career as a casting director and the challenges he faced before making his mark as an actor.
Abhishek Banerjee, known for his compelling performances in films like Stree 2 and Vedaa, recently shared an insightful reflection on his early career as a casting director and the challenges he faced before making his mark as an actor. In a candid interview promoting his latest film, Vedaa, which features John Abraham and Sharvari in leading roles, Banerjee opened up about a pivotal moment in his career.
Abhishek Banerjee About Being Fired From AgneepathRecalling his time working on Hrithik Roshan's Agneepath (2012), a film produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, Banerjee revealed a surprising turn of events. He recounted, “We were fired from Agneepath. We were handling the casting, but then it was taken over by Jogi (Mallang) bhai. Why? Because Karan sir didn’t like our casting.” Although Banerjee did not specify which Karan he was referring to, it is evident that Karan Johar, the film’s producer, was displeased with their choices. “We were casting actors similar to those from Anurag Kashyap’s world,” Banerjee explained. “He didn’t like it and said, ‘Nikal jao humaari film se’ (Get out of our film!). We thought our career was finished because being removed from Dharma Productions felt like a massive blow. But thankfully, we survived.”
About Playing Negative RolesIn another interview, Banerjee elaborated on the situation. “At that time, I was on cloud nine after landing a Dharma film, especially following Dirty Picture. We were casting for villains in Agneepath, and the team wanted a different kind of presence. Karan Johar felt our choices wouldn’t fit well alongside Hrithik Roshan.”
When discussing his portrayal of negative roles, Banerjee mentioned how these parts provide him with a sense of relief. “If I don’t take on these roles, I might end up feeling frustrated and anxious. Playing characters like Vishal Tyagi (Hathoda Tyagi) in Paatal Lok, who exacts revenge for his sister’s assault, offers a release from the turmoil of real-world issues.”
However, Banerjee is cautious about his roles influencing public perception. “I avoid participating in projects that distort historical facts or mislead the audience. If a film gives the wrong notion, I probably won’t be a part of it,” he concluded.
Abhishek Banerjee's Two Big Hits- Vedaa and Stree 2On August 15, Banerjee celebrated a unique milestone as two of his films were released on the same day. He reprised his role as Jana in Stree 2 and appeared as the main antagonist in Vedaa, showcasing his versatility and marking a significant moment in his flourishing career.