Why Aditya Dhar Rejected Tamannaah Bhatia for Dhurandhar’s “Shararat” Song – Vijay Ganguly Reveals

Bollywood fans are buzzing over Dhurandhar’s energetic dance number “Shararat”, choreographed by Vijay Ganguly. What many don’t know is that Tamannaah Bhatia was initially considered for the song. However, director Aditya Dhar ultimately decided against her inclusion, aiming to ensure the song enhanced the narrative rather than overshadowing it. The final sequence features Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza, keeping the focus balanced and tightly integrated with the film’s espionage-packed storyline. Here’s everything you need to know about this creative decision and its impact on the film.

Dhurandhar: Box Office Sensation and Musical Highlight

Released on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar has become one of the year’s biggest Bollywood hits. Starring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Sara Arjun, the film has already crossed the ₹500 crore mark domestically. Its mix of action, espionage, and star power has resonated with audiences.

While the film’s story and performances drew attention, its music, especially “Shararat”, quickly became a fan favorite. The sequence is known for high-energy choreography, visual flair, and integration into the film’s plot — a balance that wasn’t accidental, but carefully planned.

The Original Plan: Tamannaah Bhatia Considered

Choreographer Vijay Ganguly revealed that Tamannaah Bhatia was initially considered for the song. Given her star power and dance experience, she could have brought instant recognition and glamour to the sequence.

Ganguly noted that in his discussions with the creative team, Tamannaah’s inclusion was suggested as a possibility to add flair. However, he emphasized that the ultimate decision rested with Aditya Dhar, who had a very clear vision for how the sequence should serve the story.

Aditya Dhar’s Creative Choice

Director Aditya Dhar made the deliberate decision not to cast Tamannaah Bhatia. According to Vijay Ganguly, Dhar’s reasoning was straightforward: he did not want the song to feel like a standalone “item number” that would distract from the central plot.

In a film like Dhurandhar, which revolves around espionage, geopolitical tension, and multi-layered character arcs, a highly star-driven song could have pulled attention away from the story. Dhar wanted “Shararat” to enhance the narrative, not disrupt it.

This creative decision demonstrates a commitment to storytelling over spectacle, ensuring that each sequence contributes meaningfully to the plot.

Why Two Performers Were Chosen Instead of One

To achieve balance, Dhar opted for Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza to perform the sequence. By splitting focus between two performers, the song maintained energy and visual appeal without making it about a single celebrity.

The dual-performer approach allowed the sequence to remain engaging while keeping audiences connected to the story. It also gave the choreography room to shine, showcasing intricate moves, formations, and interactions that might have been overshadowed by a major star presence.

Integrating Music Seamlessly Into the Story

One of the reasons “Shararat” has been praised is its integration into the narrative. Unlike many Bollywood item numbers, which exist purely for entertainment, this song:

• Advances the story by reflecting character relationships.
• Enhances the setting and mood of a critical scene.
• Maintains tension and pacing consistent with the film’s espionage theme.

Dhar’s vision ensured that “Shararat” felt organic to the film, rather than a disconnected spectacle, which is a significant creative achievement in high-budget Bollywood action cinema.

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Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

News about Tamannaah Bhatia being considered for the song quickly circulated online, creating mixed reactions:

• Disappointment: Some fans felt Tamannaah’s presence could have added extra glamour and publicity value.
• Appreciation: Others applauded Dhar’s focus on narrative cohesion, noting that the song worked beautifully without overshadowing the film’s story.
• Praise for Performers: Viewers highlighted Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza for their energetic performance, noting the choreography’s effectiveness.

Online discussions have underscored how Bollywood audiences value both star appeal and strong storytelling, with “Shararat” serving as a case study in balancing the two.

Vijay Ganguly on the Choreography

Vijay Ganguly, renowned for his previous work in Bollywood dance sequences, emphasized the creative challenge of crafting “Shararat” within these constraints. He explained that choreography needed to:

• Highlight performers without overshadowing the narrative.
• Maintain energy and entertainment value.
• Seamlessly align with camera work, scene transitions, and story beats.

Ganguly’s experience and vision were instrumental in translating Dhar’s direction into a visually stunning and narratively consistent song.

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How Casting Decisions Affect Bollywood Music Sequences

The “Shararat” scenario illustrates a broader trend in Bollywood: story-first casting choices. While star-driven item numbers have traditionally been used to attract viewers, contemporary directors increasingly focus on:

• Narrative cohesion over celebrity cameo value.
• Integrating songs into the story instead of treating them as optional spectacles.
• Enhancing the emotional impact of sequences through performance and choreography, rather than relying on star presence alone.

Dhurandhar is a prime example of this modern approach, showing that music can remain entertaining while serving the film’s plot.

Box Office and Cultural Impact

Even without Tamannaah Bhatia, Dhurandhar has seen commercial and cultural success. The film has crossed ₹500 crore domestically and continues to generate excitement for its sequel, slated for March 19, 2026.

The “Shararat” song, in particular, has become a viral sensation on social media, with fans and influencers sharing dance covers and reactions. Its success proves that careful creative decisions in casting and choreography can resonate just as strongly as celebrity appearances.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Part 2

With Dhurandhar Part 2 on the horizon, audiences are eager to see how musical sequences will continue to support the story. Dhar’s commitment to narrative-driven sequences suggests that future songs will likely be:

• Integrated seamlessly with the plot.
• Crafted to enhance tension, emotion, or character development.
• Possibly featuring new talent or returning performers chosen for storytelling impact rather than pure star power.

Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on both story progression and choreography decisions in the upcoming installment.

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FAQs

Why was Tamannaah Bhatia rejected for “Shararat”?

Director Aditya Dhar wanted to ensure the song did not overshadow the story and avoided making it feel like a standalone item number.

Who performs in the final “Shararat” sequence?

The final version features Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza, maintaining balance and narrative integration.

How does the song fit into the film’s story?

“Shararat” advances the narrative by reflecting character relationships and emotions, while keeping the scene’s pace consistent with the espionage theme.

Has the film been successful at the box office?

Yes — Dhurandhar has crossed ₹500 crore domestically and continues to be a major commercial hit.

Will Tamannaah appear in Part 2?

No official confirmation exists yet; her inclusion will depend on story requirements and the director’s vision.

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