# The Role That Almost Was: Anushka Shetty’s Forgotten Connection to KJQ

URL: https://technosports.co.in/nushka-shettys-forgotten-connection-to-kjq/  
Published: 2026-08-06  
Updated: 2026-08-06  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Twelve years is a long time to sit on a story — but that’s exactly how long director Kiran Kumar held onto *KJQ (King Jackie Queen)* before it finally reached the screen. And buried in that decade-plus journey is a casting twist fans never saw coming: Anushka Shetty was once meant to lead the film.

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga revealed the untold detail during a promotional chat with the *KJQ* team, ahead of the film’s August 7, 2026 release. According to him, Kiran Kumar first conceived the project as a star-driven vehicle with Anushka in the lead. The film never took off back then, but the late director kept refining the script over the years — and the role eventually transformed into the character now played by Yukti Thareja.

## KJQ (King Jackie Queen)

| Detail | Info |
| --- | --- |
| Director | Kiran Kumar (KK) |
| Lead Cast | Dheekshith Shetty, Shashi Odela, Yukti Thareja |
| Genre | Period action drama |
| Setting | 1990s |
| Release Date | August 7, 2026 |
| Music | Poornachandra Tejaswi |

The story follows two close friends whose bond unravels as ambition and survival turn them into rivals — a conflict that only deepens once a third character enters their world. Shashi Odela, brother of filmmaker Srikanth Odela, marks his Telugu debut with this project, while Muralidhar Goud and Ankur Vikal round out the supporting cast.

![KJQ](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/anushksks-1024x576.webp)

Meanwhile, [Anushka Shetty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anushka_Shetty) — one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actresses — is currently gearing up for *Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer* alongside Jayasurya, a Malayalam fantasy thriller directed by Rojin Thomas. Dheekshith Shetty, on the other hand, has a busy slate ahead with *Sheegrameva Kalyana Praptirasthu*, *Strawberry*, and the Malayalam film *Oppees*.

While hustle culture in showbiz often takes a toll behind the scenes, it’s worth remembering that stress and lifestyle shifts affect more than just careers — they show up on our bodies too. If you’re noticing more than the usual thinning, our deep dive on [hair fall isn’t always just about hair](https://technosports.co.in/hair-fall-isnt-always-about-hair-heres/) is worth a read.

## FAQs

### **Was Anushka Shetty officially cast in KJQ at any point?**

No — she was only part of the film’s earliest conceptual stage 12 years ago, before the project was shelved and reworked.

### **Who eventually played the role once meant for Anushka Shetty?**

The character evolved over the years and is now portrayed by actress Yukti Thareja in the final film.