As Dhurandhar storms the box office and dominates pop culture chatter, choreographer Vijay Ganguly clears the air on why Tamannaah Bhatia wasn’t part of the viral song ‘Shararat’—and why the narrative was never about rejection, but creative intent.
Ever since Dhurandhar hit theatres, the Aditya Dhar-directed geopolitical thriller has refused to leave the headlines. From its thunderous box office run to its gritty storytelling rooted in covert R&AW operations, the film has become one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases in recent times. But amid all the praise, a surprising side controversy recently stole the spotlight—one involving Tamannaah Bhatia and the song Shararat.
The chatter began when Vijay Ganguly, the choreographer behind Shararat, spoke in an interview about the casting choices for the song. Portions of his comments were quickly picked up, reframed, and sensationalised, leading to a narrative that Tamannaah Bhatia had been “rejected” from the film. The internet, predictably, ran wild.
Now, Vijay Ganguly has stepped in to set the record straight—and his clarification has put an end to the speculation.
Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.
Vijay Ganguly Clears the Air
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Ganguly addressed the controversy head-on, firmly stating that Tamannaah Bhatia was never rejected or even considered for Shararat—not because of any shortcoming, but because of her sheer star power.
“To clarify: Tamannaah Bhatia was never under consideration because her star power is so significant it might have overwhelmed the specific needs of this scene,” Ganguly wrote.
He explained that Shararat wasn’t designed as a conventional glamour-driven dance number. Instead, it was intricately woven into a high-stakes narrative moment where tension and storytelling were paramount.
“In Dhurandhar, the music is woven into a high-stakes moment where the tension is key. The makers opted for two performers to keep the focus on the story’s progression. This choice was about protecting the film’s atmosphere and ensuring the narrative remains the hero of the sequence.”
Rather than a downgrade, Ganguly’s words positioned Tamannaah as too big a presence for a scene that demanded subtlety over spectacle.
‘Words Get Sensationalised for Headlines’
The choreographer didn’t stop there. In a refreshingly candid note, Ganguly also called out how selective quoting and sensationalism can derail meaningful conversations around cinema.
“I genuinely enjoy conversations around cinema and the many layers that go into making a film. That said, I’ve often refrained from putting myself out there because, at times, words get selectively edited, misquoted, or sensationalised to serve headlines rather than the craft.”
It’s a sentiment that resonated with many within the industry—especially in an era where soundbites often eclipse substance.
Ganguly further expressed disappointment that the focus shifted from the creative intent of Shararat to unfair comparisons between artists.
“It’s unfortunate that instead of the conversation staying on the song and the creative intent behind Shararat, the focus has shifted to comparisons between two wonderful artists, with strong and reductive terms like ‘rejections’ being used—something that was never the spirit of what was shared.”
He concluded on a note that perfectly encapsulates the ethos behind Dhurandhar.
“Cinema is collaborative. It thrives on respect, nuance, and context. I hope we can keep the spotlight where it belongs—on the work and the many people who pour their hearts into it.”
Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.
Why Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza Worked
Ultimately, Shararat featured Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza—two performers who, according to the makers, fit the narrative requirement without overpowering the moment. In a film like Dhurandhar, where mood, tension, and realism are central, the choice was less about star wattage and more about narrative balance.
And judging by the audience response, the decision worked. Shararat has been praised for its placement, mood, and choreography—adding to the film’s layered storytelling rather than distracting from it.
Dhurandhar: A Film Bigger Than the Noise
Written and directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar draws inspiration from real-life geopolitical events and covert intelligence operations, particularly those surrounding Operation Lyari—a Pakistan-led crackdown on criminal syndicates operating in Karachi’s Lyari region.
The film boasts a formidable ensemble cast. Ranveer Singh delivers one of the most intense performances of his career, supported by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun in pivotal roles. Each character adds texture to a story steeped in moral ambiguity, national security, and personal sacrifice.
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s direction, atmospheric cinematography, taut screenplay, and immersive background score. The music, including Shararat, has been lauded for enhancing the film’s tension rather than breaking its rhythm.
The Road Ahead: Dhurandhar Part 2
Dhurandhar is only the beginning. The film is the first installment of a planned two-part saga, with Dhurandhar Part 2 officially slated for release on 19 March 2026. Given the scale of the story and the overwhelming response to Part 1, expectations for the sequel are already sky-high.
As for the recent controversy, Vijay Ganguly’s clarification serves as a reminder of how easily narratives can be distorted—and how important context is in creative decisions. In this case, what was framed as a “rejection” was actually a conscious artistic choice rooted in respect for storytelling.
And if Dhurandhar has proven anything so far, it’s that when cinema puts story first, the results speak louder than the noise.
Stay tuned to UltaPaltaKhabar.com for more inside stories, industry clarifications, and all the latest buzz from Bollywood.
Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.
You May Like:
- ultapaltakhabar.com/gst-raid-shocks-ankita-lokhande-vicky-jains-anniversary-celebrations-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-the-inr-27-5-crore-case/
- ultapaltakhabar.com/did-rehman-dakait-kill-dawood-ibrahims-brother-dhurandhar-reopens-karachis-darkest-underworld-secrets/
- ultapaltakhabar.com/a-r-rahman-sounds-the-alarm-on-classical-musics-future-how-do-we-bring-young-audiences-back-to-concert-halls/
- ultapaltakhabar.com/shraddha-kapoor-wants-dhurandhar-part-2-preponed-as-ranveer-singhs-spy-thriller-smashes-inr-500-crore-and-wins-bollywoods-loudest-applause/
