Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has finally opened up about one of Bollywood’s most talked-about casting decisions — choosing Ranbir Kapoor instead of Ranveer Singh for his ambitious 2015 film Bombay Velvet. In a recent interview, Kashyap revealed how the decision wasn’t as simple as it looked and was influenced by industry pressures, production expectations, and the state of both actors’ careers at that time.
While Bombay Velvet didn’t perform well at the box office, it has since gained a cult following for its grand vision and daring storytelling. Kashyap’s comments now offer a fascinating look into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of how big Bollywood casting choices are made — and how one film could have changed the careers of two major stars.
The Original Vision: A New Face for a Bold Film
According to Anurag Kashyap, Bombay Velvet was designed as a period noir drama — a lavish, risky project set in the 1960s, exploring the underbelly of Bombay’s jazz and crime world. The film required an actor who could portray both innocence and intensity, someone who could transition from being a street fighter to a vulnerable lover.
Kashyap initially wanted a new face for the lead role of Johnny Balraj, the ambitious young boxer who dreams of becoming big in the corrupt, glittering world of Bombay. Ranveer Singh, then a newcomer who had just debuted with Band Baaja Baaraat, seemed like a perfect fit.
“Ranveer had the rawness, the energy, and that hunger,” Kashyap said. “He was very much like Johnny — ambitious, unpredictable, and full of fire.”
However, as the project grew in scale and budgets rose, the studio backing the film insisted on a bigger star to ensure commercial safety. That’s when Ranbir Kapoor’s name entered the discussion.
The Industry Pressure and Budget Constraints
Bombay Velvet was one of the most expensive films being planned at the time, with a reported budget of over ₹100 crore. The period setting, elaborate sets, and international-level production required strong financial support — and with that came studio pressure.
Kashyap recalled that major producers were hesitant to bet on Ranveer Singh at that early stage in his career. “Back then, Ranveer wasn’t the Ranveer we know today. He was still finding his place, and big studios were not ready to trust him with such a massive film,” he explained.
Ranbir Kapoor, on the other hand, was already one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, coming off hits like Rockstar, Barfi!, and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. “With Ranbir, we could secure the film’s funding, promotions, and international distribution,” Kashyap admitted. “As a filmmaker, sometimes you have to make choices that balance your creative instincts with the realities of the business.”
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Ranbir’s Dedication and Performance
Despite the film’s mixed response, Anurag Kashyap continues to praise Ranbir Kapoor’s commitment and professionalism. “Ranbir gave everything to Bombay Velvet,” he said. “He trained like a boxer, learned the 1960s slang, and completely trusted my vision even when things looked uncertain.”
Ranbir’s performance as Johnny Balraj remains one of his most experimental roles. His portrayal of a man torn between dreams and destruction resonated with many critics, even if the film didn’t succeed commercially. “Ranbir’s emotional depth gave the character a tragic dimension,” Kashyap added. “He understood the loneliness of Johnny like very few actors could.”
What About Ranveer Singh?
Interestingly, Ranveer Singh himself had once expressed interest in working with Anurag Kashyap. In early interviews, he called the filmmaker “a fearless storyteller” and said he would love to be part of his world.
When asked if Ranveer was disappointed about losing the role, Kashyap said, “Ranveer was always passionate and positive. He understood how the industry works. At that time, he was doing Lootera and Ram-Leela, which actually helped him shape his identity in a different way.”
Kashyap also acknowledged that Ranveer’s intensity might have made him an excellent fit for the role — but destiny had other plans. “If Ranveer had done Bombay Velvet, it would have been a completely different film,” he said. “He brings a certain electricity that changes the tone of any scene.”
The Film That Became a Lesson
Bombay Velvet, released in 2015, was one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made. With stunning sets recreating 1960s Bombay, jazz-infused music, and a complex love story between Johnny Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor) and Rosie (Anushka Sharma), the film aimed to redefine how period dramas were told in Bollywood.
However, the movie struggled to connect with mainstream audiences. Critics praised its visual grandeur but criticized its pacing and narrative complexity. The film’s box office failure was a huge blow to Kashyap and to Ranbir, who was experimenting beyond his comfort zone.
“Looking back, Bombay Velvet was ahead of its time,” Kashyap reflected. “It was a learning experience — not a failure. Sometimes, the audience isn’t ready for what you’re trying to do.”
Ranveer and Ranbir: Two Different Journeys
In hindsight, both Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh have carved their own unique paths in Bollywood. Ranbir went on to deliver acclaimed performances in Sanju and Animal, while Ranveer became a powerhouse of energy with films like Padmaavat, Gully Boy, and 83.
“Both of them represent two sides of modern Hindi cinema,” said Kashyap. “Ranbir is introspective and subtle, while Ranveer is explosive and flamboyant. Each brings something beautiful to the screen.”
Anurag Kashyap’s Honest Take on Casting Choices
Kashyap also revealed that the decision wasn’t about favoring one actor over another, but about aligning with what the film needed at that point. “As a filmmaker, you always walk a tightrope between art and commerce,” he said. “Sometimes the heart says one thing, but the circumstances force you to choose differently.”
He emphasized that both Ranbir and Ranveer are exceptional talents who represent the new age of Indian cinema. “I’d love to work with Ranveer someday,” Kashyap said. “He’s fearless — just like the kind of cinema I believe in.”
The Legacy of Bombay Velvet
Ten years later, Bombay Velvet is being re-evaluated by film lovers and critics. Its visual storytelling, production design, and background score have earned it cult status among cinephiles. Many now believe that the film was misunderstood when it first released.
For Kashyap, the film remains a proud chapter in his career. “People now message me saying they’ve watched Bombay Velvet again and finally get it,” he shared. “That’s the magic of cinema — sometimes, it takes time for people to see what you saw all along.”
Final Thoughts
Anurag Kashyap’s candid revelation about choosing Ranbir Kapoor over Ranveer Singh highlights the complex balance between creativity and commerce in Bollywood. While Bombay Velvet didn’t achieve the success it was expected to, it remains a testament to ambitious filmmaking and artistic courage.
Had Ranveer Singh played the lead, the film might have had a different energy, but as Kashyap said — “Every actor brings his own truth to a role. And Ranbir brought Johnny Balraj to life in his own unforgettable way.”