Muzammil Ibrahim recalls how casting agents derailed his role: ‘Ayan wrote 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' with me in mind': ‘I told him Deepika was the right choice'

Time of India

06-06-2025

Ranbir Kapoor
and
Deepika Padukone
starrer romantic film 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' is surely one of the best rom-coms in Bollywood. Want to know a truvia about tis superhit film? Read more.
Model-actor
Muzammil Ibrahim
has revealed in a recent interview that director Ayan Mukerji originally envisioned him in the 2013 hit film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
According to Muzammil, Ayan personally told him that he was writing the story with him in mind, particularly for the role that later went to Aditya Roy Kapur.
A Close Bond and a Missed Role
In a chat with Siddharth Kannan, Muzammil recounted how director Kiran Rao introduced him to Ayan after being impressed by his performance in Dhokha (2007). 'Ayan liked me a lot. He told me he was writing Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani keeping me in mind,' Muzammil claimed.
He clarified that his past relationship with Deepika Padukone, who starred in the film opposite Ranbir Kapoor, had nothing to do with the casting decision. In fact, he says he endorsed Deepika's involvement. 'Ayan would often discuss casting options with me, like whether to go with Deepika or Katrina. I told him Deepika was the right choice.'
Casting Agents Changed the Course
According to Muzammil, the project's direction shifted after casting agents entered the picture.
He believes they disrupted the communication between him and Ayan, leading to the missed opportunity. 'Ayan told me he'd give me the script. But once the casting agents came in, they really messed things up. They had their own agendas,' Muzammil alleged.
He also confessed to hesitating at the time, unsure whether to follow up with Ayan. 'I thought maybe my role was too small, or that Ranbir and Ayan's friendship might have influenced things,' he added.
Believes His Debut Performance Outshone Ranbir's
Muzammil also shared that he believed his performance in 'Dhokha' was stronger than Ranbir Kapoor's debut in 'Saawariya', both released in 2007. Reflecting on what could have been a turning point in his career, Muzammil said, 'Maybe I should have spoken up. But back then, I didn't know how to navigate the politics.'
Ranbir Kapoor at a press conference in Kolkata
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