When Emraan Hashmi Said No to Aashiqui 2: The Untold Story Behind Aditya Roy Kapur’s Breakthrough Role
Long before Aditya Roy Kapur became the heartthrob of millions with his unforgettable portrayal of Rahul Jaykar in Aashiqui 2, the role was reportedly offered to someone who was already known as Bollywood’s ‘Serial Kisser’—Emraan Hashmi. Yes, you read that right! The tragic rockstar role that catapulted Aditya into stardom could have been Emraan’s — if he hadn’t turned it down.
Let’s dive into the backstory of why Emraan Hashmi rejected one of the biggest romantic blockbusters of the 2010s, and how that single decision shaped multiple careers in Bollywood.
Aashiqui 2: A Film That Redefined Romantic Tragedy
Released in 2013, Aashiqui 2, directed by Mohit Suri, was a spiritual sequel to the 1990 musical classic Aashiqui. The film told the intense love story of a fading singer who discovers and falls in love with a talented newcomer — only to spiral into self-destruction due to his own inner demons.
Backed by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Vishesh Films, the movie became an unexpected juggernaut at the box office, not just for its emotional storytelling, but also for its iconic music that ruled charts for years.
Emraan Hashmi: The First Choice?
According to insider sources and industry buzz, Emraan Hashmi was Mohit Suri’s initial pick for the role of Rahul Jaykar. With their long-standing collaboration in films like Murder, Zeher, Awarapan, and Raaz: The Mystery Continues, it seemed like a natural casting.
However, Emraan surprised many when he politely declined the role, despite being close to both Mohit Suri and the Bhatts, who were part of the production team.
Why Did Emraan Say No?
In various interviews over the years, Emraan has hinted at the reasons behind his decision to opt out of Aashiqui 2:
- Script Fatigue with Romantic Tragedies: At the time, Emraan was actively seeking to break out of his image as a tragic lover or emotionally intense romantic lead. Having played similar roles in Awarapan and Tum Mile, he wanted to explore more versatile characters.
- Creative Differences: Reports also suggest there were creative disagreements on how the character should be portrayed. Emraan, by then a seasoned actor, may have envisioned a different take on Rahul Jaykar than what the filmmakers intended.
- Timing and Career Shift: Around the time Aashiqui 2 was going into production, Emraan was venturing into new genres with films like Shanghai and Ek Thi Daayan. He may have believed returning to a familiar romantic arc would stall his growth.
Aditya Roy Kapur: A Star Is Born
When Emraan stepped away, the role eventually went to Aditya Roy Kapur, who had been seen in supporting roles up until then. And the rest, as they say, is history.
- Aditya’s brooding performance, matched with Shraddha Kapoor’s ethereal presence, made Aashiqui 2 an instant hit.
- The film grossed over ₹100 crore, and both leads became overnight sensations.
- The soundtrack — including “Tum Hi Ho” and “Sun Raha Hai Na Tu” — went on to become generational anthems.
Mohit Suri On The Casting Switch
In a rare candid conversation, director Mohit Suri once admitted:
“Yes, Emraan was in our minds initially, but I think things worked out perfectly the way they did. Aditya brought a certain vulnerability and freshness that was needed.”
What If…?
Looking back, Aashiqui 2 might have been a very different film if Emraan Hashmi had taken on the role. While there’s no denying Emraan’s acting depth and romantic screen presence, many believe Aditya’s fresh-faced melancholy and newcomer charm gave the story an authenticity that resonated with audiences.
Moreover, Emraan went on to reinvent himself with films like Hamari Adhuri Kahani, Chehre, and Tiger 3, showcasing his range beyond the romantic genre.
The story of Emraan Hashmi turning down Aashiqui 2 is a classic case of how one actor’s rejection can become another’s rise. While Emraan has no regrets about his choice — and rightfully so, given his iconic filmography — it’s intriguing to imagine how different Bollywood’s romantic genre might have looked if he had said yes.
In the end, Emraan Hashmi’s “No” became Aditya Roy Kapur’s big “Yes,” and gave us one of the most memorable love stories of the decade.
