When it comes to Mani Ratnam epic masterpiece, “Ponniyin Selvan,” it’s hard to forget the enchanting performance of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini. Her portrayal of the character left a lasting impression on the audience. However, what many might not know is that she wasn’t the director’s initial choice for the role. So, who was Mani Ratnam’s first pick for Nandini in “Ponniyin Selvan”?
Kamal Haasan: The First Choice for Aditha Karikalan
As per reports from DNA India, Mani Ratnam shared with Bollywood Bubble that when he first conceived the idea of bringing the magnum opus to life, he had Kamal Haasan in mind for the character of Aditha Karikalan. Kamal Haasan, who celebrated his 69th birthday on November 7, 2023, had not only won numerous accolades but also possessed the charisma to carry such a pivotal role.
Ratnam and Haasan had planned to collaborate under Ratnam’s production house, Raaj Kamal Films International. They secured the rights to Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 novel, “Ponniyin Selvan,” and embarked on this ambitious project. However, the sheer scale of the endeavor made it challenging to proceed, and it didn’t make sense to compromise on the quality. Thus, they decided to put the project on hold until the right time.
Rekha: The Original Choice for Nandini Mani Ratnam
Intriguingly, during the same conversation, Mani Ratnam disclosed that Rekha was his original choice for the character of Nandini in “Ponniyin Selvan.” He reflected, “Probably it was too early a stage… we then got into casting when I first thought of the film. The only person that I had in mind was Kamal sir, and maybe Rekha was an automatic choice. It was a no-brainer for Nandini. We didn’t go further on with that.”
So, why did Mani Ratnam believe that Rekha was the perfect fit for Nandini? He explained, “She fitted… I mean, sometimes you just feel that kind of a person. I know somebody who’s deep, who is beautiful, and who can carry both sides of it. She can portray both sides very well.”
Ultimately, the role of Nandini in “Ponniyin Selvan” was beautifully brought to life by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who masterfully captured Nandini’s magnetic persona.
Kamal Haasan: The Narrator and More Mani Ratnam
It’s worth noting that Kamal Haasan played a pivotal role in “Ponniyin Selvan” as the narrator for both Part I and Part II. This National Film Award winner has been a long-standing collaborator with Mani Ratnam and will continue the association in their next project, “KH234,” titled “Thug Life.”
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, casting choices can significantly impact the final product, and it’s fascinating to learn about the choices and considerations made by a visionary director like Mani Ratnam. While Rekha might not have played Nandini, her name will forever be linked to the early development of “Ponniyin Selvan.”
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