Saswata Chatterjee regrets turning down Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Bengali actor Saswata Chatterjee was offered the role of Chandan Chatterjee in the film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Chandan, is the father of Alia Bhatt’s character Rani in the film. However, Chatterjee turned Chandan’s role down, something he says he will always regret. The character was eventually played by another Bengali actor, Tota Roy Chowdhury. 

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event, Chatterjee said, “Yes of course. It’s my bad luck that I had to say ‘no’ to a Karan Johar film. This will always be the biggest regret of my life. But at the same time, you have to think about what you want. I think letting the makers know about what I can’t do is much more important than readily saying yes to a project and then failing.” Chatterjee reportedly had reservations about doing the Kathak sequences in the film and was unsure if he could demonstrate the dancing skills required. 

Chowdhury who went on to play the role, has won a lot of praise for his sensitive portrayal of a man who fulfils his dream of being a professional Kathak dancer inspite of facing ridicule from his family and friends. 

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani released theatrically on July 28. The film is directed by Johar.