Rapper Badshah, famous for his chart-topping tracks and magnetic stage presence, has revealed why he turned down significant acting opportunities in Bollywood, specifically in Karan Johar’s acclaimed projects, ‘Lust Stories’ and ‘Good Newwz’. Despite his limited foray into acting through brief cameos, the renowned musician has caught the eye of prominent filmmakers. One such filmmaker is Karan Johar, who saw potential in Badshah’s acting chops beyond his musical talents.
In an exclusive interview with Lallantop, Badshah opened up about how Karan Johar approached him to play a pivotal role in the Netflix anthology, ‘Lust Stories’. To Badshah’s astonishment, he was offered the role eventually played by Vicky Kaushal. The role in question was that of a man who fails to satisfy his wife. Reflecting on the moment, Badshah recounted, “I was offered Vicky Kaushal’s role in ‘Lust Stories’. I thought Karan sir was joking. He said, ‘There’s a role of a guy who can’t satisfy his wife’. And I was like, ‘Yeh kya baat hui sir? Main aisa lagta hoon kya (Do I look like the kind of guy who can’t satisfy his partner)?’”
The rapper initially believed Johar was either teasing or simply being kind. The offer came while both were judging a reality show, ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’. Badshah added, “Yes, genuinely. We were judging a show called ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’, and he was sitting right next to me. He said, ‘There’s this role that I think will fit you’. I thought he was joking, or just being kind. But he brought it up again on the next shoot. Then Varun Dhawan came for a shoot and congratulated me on being launched by Dharma. But I declined that role because I didn’t know if I’d be able to do it. I was taking myself too seriously.”
Badshah’s refusal wasn’t rooted in disdain for the material but rather in his own uncertainties about diving into serious acting roles.
. The rapper admitted to having second thoughts about his acting capabilities at that time, hesitating to take up the challenge which he felt required a nuanced approach. His decision underscored his self-awareness and perhaps a fear of not living up to his own high standards.
In a twist of fate, Karan Johar approached Badshah once again for a different role in another high-profile film, ‘Good Newwz’. The role required him to portray a man who is unable to father children, a character with significant emotional depth and complexity. This offer, too, faced a polite but firm rejection from Badshah. The role eventually went to Diljit Dosanjh, who brought his own flair and sensitivity to the project.
The rapper explained this instance as well, noting, “I was trekking in Manali, and I saw Karan sir’s missed call. He summoned me to Mumbai, and Shashank Khaitan was there too. They told me to audition with Raj (Rajkummar Rao), but the role was of a character who can’t have kids.” His hesitation stemmed from the same place of self-doubt and a concern about doing justice to such a role. Despite acknowledging the importance and potential impact of these roles, Badshah wasn’t ready to step out of his comfort zone at that point in his career.
However, it wasn’t long before Badshah did decide to take the plunge into acting with a more challenging role. He made his acting debut in ‘Khandani Shafakhana’, where he portrayed a rapper dealing with erectile dysfunction – a performance that sought to address a sensitive issue and spread awareness. He shared, “The role that I finally did was of a rapper with erectile dysfunction, in Khandani Shafakhana. I did it because I wanted to spread awareness, and it was a very good film.”
This decision marked a significant shift in Badshah’s career, highlighting his willingness to use his platform to discuss real issues and contribute to meaningful cinema. His choice to accept the role only after understanding its societal importance demonstrates his evolving perspective on the type of work he wants to be associated with. From initially shying away from complex characters to embracing one with a strong message, Badshah’s journey into acting reflects both personal growth and a broader sense of responsibility towards his audience.
In conclusion, while Badshah may have turned down substantial roles in ‘Lust Stories’ and ‘Good Newwz’, his eventual acceptance of a challenging role in ‘Khandani Shafakhana’ signifies his readiness to tackle serious subjects and expand his horizons beyond music. His choices reveal a thoughtful artist who deliberates carefully over his ventures, ensuring they align with his values and aspirations.
