As Band Baaja Baaraat completes 15 years, director Maneesh Sharma has opened up about the film’s early challenges, revealing that casting Ranveer Singh as the lead was one of the biggest hurdles. According to Sharma, very few people in the industry believed that a newcomer with no film background could carry an entire movie on his shoulders.
Sharma shared that he had seen “raw energy and complete honesty” in Ranveer during auditions, something he felt was perfect for the character of Bittoo Sharma. But selling this conviction to producers and casting teams wasn’t easy. Many doubted whether Ranveer had the presence or the audience pull required for a mainstream Yash Raj Films project.
Despite the resistance, Sharma stood firm, believing that Ranveer’s spontaneity and Delhi-style charm would redefine how fresh talent was launched in Bollywood. His instinct proved right—Band Baaja Baaraat not only became a sleeper hit but also catapulted Ranveer into instant stardom.
The director also reflected on the film’s lasting impact. Its blend of Delhi’s lively wedding culture, fresh storytelling, and the crackling chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma set a new benchmark for romantic comedies in the 2010s. Even after 15 years, the film continues to be celebrated for its authenticity, music, and the way it introduced a bold new star to the industry.
Sharma said the success of the film is a reminder that sometimes the biggest cinematic breakthroughs come from taking risks—whether in storytelling or in trusting new talent.
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