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In ever-shifting landscape of Bollywood casting some films take unexpected turns before reaching the silver screen. One such project which eventually became a notable entry in early 2000s cinema was originally envisioned with two of the industrys top action stars. In a recent interview the director revealed that both Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgn were approached for the lead role but exited the project at different stages. What followed was a surprising casting choice that helped shape the films final identity. Let’s see who this actor was who has now become a superstar. The Most Talented Superstar of Bollywood The actor we are talking about here is Akshay Kumar who is currently celebrating the release of his latest movie Housefull 5 and has starred in more than 150 films throughout his career that has lasted over three decades. Akshay Kumar made his entry into the film industry with a leading role in the 1991 film Saugandh. Throughout the years he became a key figure in many movies; however he struggled to attain the stardom or commercial success he desired.  This all changed with the 1999 release of Jaanwar which was directed and produced by Suneel Darshan and featured co-stars Karisma Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty alongside Akshay Kumar. However many of you must not have known this but for this Akshay was not the first choice for the makers. Suneel Darshan’s Revelation About Jaanwar’s Casting Suneel Darshan told in a recent interview with India Today that Jaanwar was originally planned to star Sunny Deol and later Ajay Devgn both of whom declined to participate. He said Jaanwar wasnt written for Akshay. With Sunny Deol the film was initially intended. We were almost ready to travel when we disagreed about some nasty matters.  These items are still pending. So I decided to move on and find someone else.  Suneel Darshan further elaborated and said Ajay and I met on a Saturday and came to an agreement on the film. We were set to finalize everything that Monday but Sunday changed everything as the director received an unexpected call It came from someone I had never encountered before that was Akshay Kumar. He was very eager to meet right away. I welcomed him over and he expressed his desire to star in Jaanwar. He inquired ‘Would you think about making the film with me?’  Suneel Darshan admitted he was initially hesitant about casting Akshay Kumar as the actor was experiencing the lowest point of his career at that time. Suneel Darshan continued However I considered ‘Here’s a good-looking disciplined actor who is committed to giving 100% of himself.’ He even remarked ‘Sir I will give you 100% of myself’ and his words stayed with me. With a production budget of Rs 4 crore Jaanwar grossed more than Rs 12 crore at the box office marking not only a financial triumph but also rejuvenating Akshays career which had been struggling with several unsuccessful films until then.