The buzz around Bollywood’s latest family romantic drama Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari was coupled with swirling rumors that Alia Bhatt was initially offered the lead female role opposite Varun Dhawan. As fans speculated about the film being the third part of the Dulhania series, director Shashank Khaitan has now clarified the truth behind these casting controversies, putting an end to the speculation and explaining the film’s original vision.
Table of Contents
Alia Bhatt Truth Behind the Rumors
| Rumor | Reality |
|---|---|
| Film was part of Dulhania franchise | Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari was never a Dulhania sequel, always a standalone film |
| Alia Bhatt offered lead role | Alia Bhatt was never offered the film; it was never intended for her |
| Casting decisions | Janhvi Kapoor was the first choice, with the script written keeping her in mind |
| Scheduling conflicts | Alia was busy with international projects and unavailable |
Shashank Khaitan revealed in an exclusive interview that the film was always conceptualized independently, distinct from the Dulhania trilogy. Despite frequent collaborations and good rapport among Alia, Varun, and Khaitan, this particular film was never offered to Alia due to her busy schedule and the director’s clear vision for fresh casting. Janhvi Kapoor was chosen as she perfectly fit the unique character of Tulsi Kumari.
About Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari
- Director: Shashank Khaitan
- Lead Cast: Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf
- Release Date: October 2, 2025 (Dussehra)
- Genre: Family Drama, Romance, Comedy
- Plot: A witty and heartwarming story of Sunny and Tulsi Kumari, both nursing heartbreaks and teaming up to disrupt their exes’ wedding, leading to hilarious and emotional moments
- Production House: Dharma Productions
Why Janhvi Kapoor Was the Ideal Choice
Khaitan highlighted that Janhvi Kapoor brought a fresh and relatable energy to the role. The character required a balance of innocence and spirited strength, and Janhvi’s prior work convinced the team she was the right fit. Shashank is excited for audiences to experience this new film’s dynamic storytelling and chemistry among the lead pair.
FAQs
1. Was Alia Bhatt really approached for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari?
No, contrary to rumors, Alia Bhatt was never offered the lead role in this film. It was always designed as a standalone project and not a part of the Dulhania franchise.
2. Why wasn’t Janhvi Kapoor replaced by Alia Bhatt?
Janhvi Kapoor was the first and only choice for the role of Tulsi Kumari as the script was tailored for her. Alia Bhatt’s unavailability due to her packed schedule also meant she could not take on this role.
