Aishwarya Rai's role in the movie was terminated by the director, who claimed she concealed her pregnancy, with Kareena Kapoor taking the leading role instead. Regardless, the film failed spectacles at the box office, earning merely Rs...
Aishwarya Rai Replaced in "Heroine" Amid Pregnancy Controversy
The film "Heroine," directed by Madhur Bhandarkar and released in 2012, made headlines for a controversial reason: the replacement of Aishwarya Rai with Kareena Kapoor.
Initially, Aishwarya Rai was chosen to star in the film, but her pregnancy in 2011 left her unavailable for the shooting schedule. Kareena Kapoor took over the role, marking a significant shift in the film's casting[1][2].
The controversy surrounding Aishwarya Rai's removal from the film continued due to accusations made by Madhur Bhandarkar. The director claimed that Aishwarya Rai had hidden her pregnancy from him, which he believed could have been avoided if she had informed him at the onset[3].
The film "Heroine" was announced and started shooting during a time frame that could have potentially been reworked had the truth about Aishwarya Rai's pregnancy been known[6]. The film, which gained attention for its references to the Hindi film industry, was made on a budget of Rs 35 crore but only earned Rs 57 crore worldwide[5].
Despite the box office failure, "Heroine" is widely regarded as one of Kareena Kapoor's best works[7]. The film's portrayal of a fading Bollywood star resonated with audiences, making it a notable work in Kareena Kapoor's career[8].
However, the controversy surrounding Aishwarya Rai's removal from the film persisted, casting a shadow over the film's success. The film "Heroine" serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities that can arise in the film industry, particularly when it comes to managing unexpected circumstances such as pregnancy.
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- Despite the controversy surrounding her replacement in "Heroine," Aishwarya Rai was initially selected to star in the Bollywood movie that delved into the complexities of the Hindi film industry.
- Kareena Kapoor's role in the Indian film "Heroine," which brought her significant acclaim, came about as a result of Aishwarya Rai's unavailability due to pregnancy, leading to a shift in the movies-and-tv entertainment landscape.