The Shocking Alternate Universe Where Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra Led '2 States'

Imagine Krish and Ananya's cross-cultural romance playing out with Bollywood's King Khan and a global icon. Author Chetan Bhagat just dropped a major bombshell, revealing that Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were initially considered for his hit novel's film adaptation, '2 States', long before Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor charmed audiences.

TL;DR

• Chetan Bhagat revealed Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were early considerations for '2 States'.
• Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj was also initially slated to direct the film adaptation.
• Bhagat expressed initial doubts about Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor's casting but was ultimately "pleasantly surprised" by their fresh performances.

Unveiling the Original Vision for the Beloved '2 States' Romance

Think back to 2014. The film '2 States', a vibrant adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's 2009 bestselling novel, hit theaters, enchanting audiences with its tale of a Punjabi boy, Krish Malhotra (Arjun Kapoor), and a Tamilian girl, Ananya Swaminathan (Alia Bhatt), navigating love across cultural divides while pursuing their MBA at IIM Ahmedabad. The film became a milestone for its young leads, praised for their fresh chemistry and versatile performances. But what if the cast had looked entirely different?

Chetan Bhagat, the author behind the story, recently opened up in interviews about the surprising initial plans for the film. He shared that the project began with a very different team and a star cast that would surely raise eyebrows today. "There was a time Vishal Bharadwaj was going to make it. There was a time when Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Priyanka Chopra's names were talked about," Bhagat stated, adding that articles about these names had even circulated back then. Source: [HT City, "Shah Rukh-Priyanka Chopra were first choice for 2 States? Chetan Bhagat reveals being doubtful about Alia Bhatt-Arjun", Nov 04, 2025].

The Unexpected Shift in Casting That Defined the Film

It's quite a leap from a superstar pairing like Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra to relatively newer faces like Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Bhagat admitted that he wasn't immediately convinced by the eventual casting. "To be honest, when they said, there is a new director and it's Arjun Kapoor who had one movie and Alia Bhatt who had one movie, Student Of The Year. I was like 'okay', but this is not what was discussed," he recalled. Source: [Pinkvilla, "Not Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor writer Chetan Bhagat hoped to get this iconic duo for 2 States", Nov 03, 2025].

This reveals a common behind-the-scenes dilemma in Bollywood: balancing the commercial draw of established stars with the raw energy of rising talent. In this instance, the production pivoted towards a fresher, younger ensemble, a decision that eventually proved fruitful.

A Director's Vision and Creative Divergences

Beyond the actors, the directorial chair also saw potential shifts. Vishal Bhardwaj, known for his critically acclaimed adaptations, was initially considered to helm the project. However, creative differences reportedly played a role in his departure from the film. In 2023, Bhardwaj himself shared that he and Shah Rukh Khan had differing visions for the film's setting. "I wanted to set it not in a college but in a bank like ICICI. So, that’s where we were different. Shah Rukh wanted it in a different setting," Bhardwaj explained. Source: [iDiva, "2 States Was Originally Meant For SRK & Priyanka, Not Alia & Arjun; Here's Why It Didn't Happen", Nov 04, 2025].

This candid admission highlights how a film's journey from novel to screen is often filled with nuanced decisions and creative compromises. What seems like a straightforward adaptation can involve extensive discussions about core elements like setting and character interpretation, ultimately shaping the final product we see.

The Unforeseen Magic of Fresh Faces in Filmmaking

Despite his initial reservations, Chetan Bhagat was ultimately thrilled with how '2 States' turned out. "It was such a nice casting, and it made the movie fresh because they were young. If it were older actors, I don't know, maybe they would have done a great job. But it was very surprising," he confessed. This sentiment underscores a powerful truth in filmmaking: sometimes, the most unexpected choices lead to the most captivating results.

The youth and relatively clean slate of Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor allowed them to inhabit Krish and Ananya without the baggage of pre-existing star personas. They brought a certain innocence and relatability to the characters, making the story resonate deeply with a young audience who saw themselves reflected on screen.

"It was such a nice casting, and it made the movie fresh because they were young. If it were older actors, I don't know, maybe they would have done a great job. But it was very surprising."

— Chetan Bhagat, Author of '2 States'

The 'Kai Po Che!' Parallel: Another Triumph Against Initial Skepticism

This wasn't the first time Bhagat witnessed the magic of less-established actors proving their mettle. He recounted a similar experience during the making of 'Kai Po Che!', an adaptation of his book 'The 3 Mistakes of My Life'. "For Kai Po Che! too, we had brand-new actors. We tried everybody, and they all said no. All the stars rejected it, so we had to cast Sushant Singh Rajput, who was a TV actor back then, along with Rajkummar Rao and Amit Sadh, who weren't known names. I had very little hope from the movie – but it became one of the best adaptations. And now, all three are established stars," he shared. Source: [India Forums, "Not Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor writer Chetan Bhagat hoped to get this iconic duo for 2 States", Nov 03, 2025].

This serves as a compelling counterpoint to the idea that only big names can guarantee success. In both '2 States' and 'Kai Po Che!', the lack of established stars forced the filmmakers to focus purely on the script and performance, leading to authentic and beloved cinematic experiences.

Example: The Producer's Gamble for a Fresh Perspective

Imagine a scenario: A veteran producer is tirelessly searching for the perfect cast for a poignant romantic drama. The script is solid, but every A-lister they approach either has scheduling conflicts or demands a fee that would push the budget sky-high. Frustrated, they stumble upon a couple of talented but relatively unknown actors. Their gut tells them these newcomers, with their raw energy and eagerness, could bring an unprecedented authenticity to the roles. Taking a huge risk, the producer greenlights the film with the fresh faces, despite industry murmurs about potential box office struggles. The film releases, and against all odds, their organic chemistry and heartfelt performances connect deeply with audiences, turning it into a sleeper hit and launching the careers of the new actors. This mirrors the brave choice made for '2 States'.

The Trade-offs of Star Power Versus Fresh Talent in Bollywood

The revelations about '2 States' offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricate decision-making process behind casting in Bollywood. Opting for established stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra would undoubtedly have brought massive initial hype and a guaranteed opening weekend draw. Their star power could have positioned '2 States' as an even bigger commercial event from day one.

However, the trade-off, as Chetan Bhagat implies, might have been a different "freshness" for the story. Older, more established actors, while immensely talented, carry with them a history of roles and public perception. For a story about young love and cultural clashes, the youthful energy and relatively clean slate of Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor likely contributed to the film's relatable charm and its ability to connect with a younger demographic. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the story demands a specific kind of energy that only new talent can provide.

The Enduring Impact of '2 States' and Its Stars

The 2014 film, directed by Abhishek Varman, went on to become a box office success, earning praise from critics and audiences alike for its engaging storyline and the performances of its lead pair, along with supporting actors Ronit Roy, Amrita Singh, and Revathy. Its success solidified Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor's positions as bankable young stars in Bollywood, proving that the gamble on fresh faces had paid off handsomely.

Today, both actors continue to thrive. Alia Bhatt has several high-profile projects in her kitty, including "Alpha," the next installment in YRF's Spy Universe, and "Love & War" with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. Arjun Kapoor was last seen in "Mere Husband Ki Biwi." Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is set to appear in "King" alongside Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra is busy with SS Rajamouli's global project, showcasing their continued prominence in the industry.

Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Filmmakers and Enthusiasts

• Trust the Story First: The narrative should guide casting, not solely star power.
• Embrace New Talent: Sometimes, fresh faces can bring an authentic, relatable energy to a role that established stars might inadvertently overshadow.
• Director's Vision is Key: Creative alignment between director and lead actor is crucial, as seen with Vishal Bhardwaj and SRK's differences over the film's setting.
• Initial Doubts Can Lead to Surprising Success: What seems like a risky choice at first can become a critically and commercially acclaimed decision, as exemplified by '2 States' and 'Kai Po Che!'.
• Flexibility in Production is Vital: Film projects often evolve, and being adaptable to changes in casting or directorial vision can be the key to bringing a story to life.

FAQ: Your Questions About '2 States' Casting and More

Was '2 States' originally planned with Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra?

Yes, author Chetan Bhagat recently revealed that Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were among the initial actors considered for the lead roles in the film adaptation of his novel, '2 States'.

Why didn't Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra end up starring in '2 States'?

While specific reasons for their non-involvement aren't fully detailed across all sources, it's known that director Vishal Bhardwaj (also initially considered for the film) and Shah Rukh Khan had creative differences regarding the film's setting. Ultimately, a new director, Abhishek Varman, and a younger cast were finalized.

How did Chetan Bhagat react to Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor's casting?

Chetan Bhagat initially admitted to being doubtful and "not convinced" when Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor, who were relatively new actors at the time, were cast. However, he later expressed how "pleasantly surprised" he was and that their "freshness and youth made the film what it was."

What other film adaptation did Chetan Bhagat mention having similar casting challenges?

Bhagat mentioned 'Kai Po Che!', an adaptation of his book 'The 3 Mistakes of My Life', where all established stars initially rejected the roles, leading to the casting of Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, and Amit Sadh, who were then new faces.

Sources:

• HT City, "Shah Rukh-Priyanka Chopra were first choice for 2 States? Chetan Bhagat reveals being doubtful about Alia Bhatt-Arjun", Nov 04, 2025.
• Pinkvilla, "Not Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor writer Chetan Bhagat hoped to get this iconic duo for 2 States", Nov 03, 2025.
• iDiva, "2 States Was Originally Meant For SRK & Priyanka, Not Alia & Arjun; Here's Why It Didn't Happen", Nov 04, 2025.
• India Forums, "Not Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor writer Chetan Bhagat hoped to get this iconic duo for 2 States", Nov 03, 2025.