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Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 11:37 IST
Anupria Goenka Reflects on Losing the Role in Salman Khan’s Sultan to Anushka Sharma
In the realm of Bollywood, actress Anupria Goenka has made her mark with notable roles in films such as Tiger Zinda Hai, Padmaavat, and War, as well as in thriving digital series like Sacred Games, Abhay, and Criminal Justice. Yet, one significant project that slipped through her fingers was the blockbuster Sultan, which featured Anushka Sharma in a pivotal role. During a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Goenka shared the emotional journey of auditioning for the film, highlighting the rigorous process involved.
Goenka recounted, “I auditioned for the main part in Sultan. At that time, they were searching for fresh faces. I underwent around 11 to 12 tests… It began with an initial audition, followed by a series of tests including a music video audition, a dance assessment with Vaibhavi Merchant, and finally readings with Ali Abbas Zafar.”
She elaborated on the audition process, stating, “That one-month experience was quite beautiful. I was fortunate that it lasted only a month; otherwise, if it dragged on for six to seven months or a year, it might have caused overwhelming anxiety. Until I met Ali, I wasn’t aware that I was auditioning for Sultan since Yash Raj Films (YRF) typically doesn’t provide the actual script. Instead, they share a different script for auditions. It was only when Ali began mentioning ‘Mr. Khan’ that I understood this was related to Sultan and a key role.”
Reflecting on her feelings after not being cast, she expressed, “It was truly heartbreaking when I didn’t get the role, of course… I’m dusky, and I take pride in that. However, I don’t fit the mold of a typical YRF heroine. I lack the conventionally shapely legs that are often celebrated.”
Sultan went on to become a major success at the box office, with Anushka Sharma’s portrayal of a wrestler receiving widespread acclaim and appreciation from audiences, reinforcing the challenges faced by aspiring actresses in a highly competitive industry.
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