Kashyap Says Budget Pressure Led to Ranbir Replacing Ranveer in Bombay Velvet

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has reflected on a pivotal casting choice from his 2013 period drama Bombay Velvet. The film, headlined by Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, was anticipated to be a landmark project but underperformed commercially and faced production delays and escalating expenses that affected Kashyap's trajectory.

Initial Choice: Ranveer Singh Was the First Pick

Kashyap disclosed that his first preference for the role of Johnny Balraj was Ranveer Singh, then an emerging actor with only a handful of credits. Ranveer auditioned early on and brought a raw intensity that impressed the director.

At the time, many in the industry were skeptical about Ranveer’s suitability as a commercial lead. Kashyap recalled that people often commented on his unusually high energy, which made some doubt his mainstream appeal.

Despite being struck by Ranveer’s audition, Kashyap found himself facing growing pressure to choose a more established star as the project evolved.

Mounting Costs and Advice That Changed the Line-up

As pre-production progressed, the film’s budget climbed, leaving Kashyap to weigh the financial realities against his casting instincts. He consulted senior industry figures, including Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra, who advised opting for a more bankable name to secure distribution and audience reach.

Following that guidance, Kashyap ultimately agreed to cast Ranbir Kapoor. He has said the decision was difficult and took him more than a year to reconcile with on a personal level.

Aftermath: Bombay Velvet and Ranveer’s Breakthrough

Bombay Velvet failed to meet expectations at the box office and drew mixed reviews, resulting in a setback for Kashyap and a period of reflection in his career. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh’s star continued to rise with major roles in films such as Ram-Leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018), turning his once-questioned exuberance into a defining strength.

Ranveer most recently appeared in Singham Again and is preparing for the release of Dhurandhar later this year.

Kashyap’s candid account highlights how commercial pressures and industry counsel can reshape casting decisions in Bollywood; Bombay Velvet remains a notable chapter for all involved.