In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood and sparked massive fan speculation, author Chetan Bhagat—whose novel 2 States: The Story of My Marriage was adapted into the 2014 blockbuster film—has disclosed the original casting vision for the lead roles. According to Bhagat, superstars Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Priyanka Chopra were initially the dream pair considered to play the iconic roles of Krish Malhotra and Ananya Swaminathan, years before Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt stepped in.

This exclusive insight into the film's pre-production history showcases how differently one of the biggest romantic hits of the decade could have looked.

The Original Vision: SRK and PC as Krish and Ananya

Chetan Bhagat, speaking about the genesis of the film adaptation, shared that when the book was first gaining massive popularity, the industry’s initial thought processes revolved around established, bankable superstars.

Shah Rukh Khan as Krish: The role of the Punjabi boy, Krish, who struggles to marry his South Indian lover, was envisioned with the emotional depth and charisma that only SRK could bring. Bhagat noted that SRK’s universal appeal and ability to portray intense romance made him an obvious, though perhaps aspirational, choice at the time.

Priyanka Chopra as Ananya: The role of the intelligent, ambitious Tamil girl, Ananya, was mentally linked to Priyanka Chopra, known for her versatility and strong screen presence.

The pairing of Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, who were a hugely successful on-screen couple in films like Don, would have undoubtedly brought a massive scale and mature dynamic to the cross-cultural love story.

Why the Cast Shifted to Arjun and Alia

While the SRK-PC pairing was a dream for many, the project eventually found its footing with the younger generation of stars, a decision that proved commercially brilliant.

Age and Energy: The characters in the novel were primarily college students and fresh graduates grappling with early career and marital struggles. Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt perfectly matched the youthful energy, vulnerability, and relatability required for the roles, grounding the film in a contemporary, college-to-corporate setting.

Fresh Chemistry: The novelty of the Arjun-Alia pairing offered fresh on-screen chemistry, which was a significant draw for young audiences.

2 States Success: The eventual film, directed by Abhishek Varman and produced by Karan Johar and Sajid Nadiadwala, was a critical and commercial smash hit, grossing over â‚¹175 crore worldwide and solidifying Alia and Arjun's status as leading young stars.

The Impact of 'What If' in Bollywood History

Chetan Bhagat's revelation serves as a fascinating footnote in Bollywood history, showcasing the vast difference between an initial concept and the final product.

The casting of Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor ultimately made 2 States a defining film for the millennial generation. However, imagining Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra tackling the emotional nuances of the family drama—particularly the famous confrontations between the Punjabi and Tamil families—offers a thrilling glimpse into a parallel cinematic universe.

The story remains a testament to the fact that while star power is crucial, sometimes, the perfect casting requires matching the narrative's specific tone and energy, a choice that paid off handsomely for the producers of 2 States.

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