Vasan Bala didn't want Alia in 'Jigra'? Know the truth
What's the story
The upcoming film Jigra, featuring Alia Bhatt and directed by Vasan Bala, has recently been embroiled in a casting controversy.
The dispute began when a video clip from an interaction with filmmaker Bala started circulating online. In the clip, he discussed the process leading to the final cast selection for Jigra.
Now, both Bala and writer Somen Mishra have addressed this issue publicly.
Casting process
Bala's initial reaction to Bhatt's casting sparked controversy
In an interview with Tried & Refused Productions, Bala shared that he had sent a roughly drafted email to Karan Johar, which was forwarded to Bhatt without his knowledge.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with this, stating, "I was really not happy with it. I was like, 'Why did you do this?'."
This statement led to speculation among netizens that Bala was initially reluctant about casting Bhatt in Jigra.
Clarification
Mishra clarified Bala's statement on Bhatt's casting
In response to the controversy, writer Mishra clarified on Twitter that they were eager to cast Bhatt from the beginning.
He stated, "When Vasan, me and KJ were discussing the initial story, we were DYING to get Alia on board."
He further emphasized their enthusiasm by saying, "She is MAGIC on screen. If she had said no, I don't know with whom Vasan would have made #Jigra impossible to even imagine someone else who could have played Satya."
Gratitude
Bala expressed gratitude toward Johar for his decision
Bala also took to Twitter to express his gratitude toward Johar for trusting his instincts and forwarding the first draft email to Bhatt.
He wrote, "Karan knew better and can't thank him enough for the rest of my life for trusting his instincts."
"It's the most magnanimous gesture anyone can do to help someone make a film...Trust!"
Role pursuit
Bhatt's pursuit for 'Jigra' role and film synopsis
In the same interview, Bhatt had revealed that she was so captivated by the story of Jigra that she pursued Bala for a month to get the complete script.
She stated, "I responded when I heard the first half. I was like, 'Wow.' I wasn't expecting it... So my first response to him after he sent me the first half was, 'Where's the second half?' Because I said, 'I'm not feeling complete. I need the second half.'"