Actresses Rejected Tanu Weds Manu Because Of R Madhavan, Says Film’s Producer Shailesh R Singh

Shailesh R Singh, producer of the film Tanu Weds Manu, made a shocking revelation recently in an interview. He said that no one was interested in taking up the female lead role in the film. He mentioned that they initially planned to cast Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead, but later suggested actress Kangana Ranaut. Shailesh mentioned that he and Aanand L Rai, the director of the film, have been friends since their days in the television industry. He said, “Anand’s ‘Strangers’ failed to leave its mark on the box office. While I was producing Dil Kabaddi, the DOP of the film Anay Goswami told me to meet Anand and listen to the story of Tanu Weds Manu. I was initially not interested in producing the film as I was busy with Dil Kabaddi and another film was lined up that was set to star several top celebrities. Due to date issues and several other reasons, I told Anand that I was not interested in doing this kind of film but he kept on insisting that I hold a meeting with him.”

Shailesh further stated that despite being uninterested he met with Anand. He said “Though I was not interested in doing this film I met with Anand. He narrated the story to me. Though I liked the story I told him that I was not going to produce it. I told him that I was ready to help him with everything that he needed. I tried to get producers onboard but everyone told me that they had already heard the story and weren’t interested in producing it.”

Shailesh R Singh mentioned that when he met Anand after 2-3 months he had already signed R Madhavan as the lead actor of the role. He said, “Anand had Konkona in mind alongside Madhavan, but I told him that though she is a fantastic actress, she wouldn’t fit the character.”

Shailesh further stated that before approaching Kangana we approached many actresses but all of them rejected as they did not want to work with Madhavan. Some actresses also said that they are ready to work only if the lead actor is changed.

He said, “When we approached Kangana she was busy shooting the film Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai. She heard the story and was instantly ready to take up the role. She was not even interested to know the name of the hero. Earlier she told me that she wanted to work with me and so when we approached her she directly said yes.”