Urvashi Rautela Shares She Turned Down A Yash Raj Film For Miss Universe: 'Ishaqzaade Was Supposed To Be My Debut'

In a recent interview, Urvashi Rautela claims that she prioritised Miss Universe over Bollywood break in 'Ishaqzaade'.

'Ishaqzaade' was first offered to actress Urvashi Rautela.

Source : IMDb & Instagram/urvashirautela

New Delhi: The 2012 film ‘Ishaqzaade’ was a career-defining moment for Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor. Interestingly, 'Ishaqzaade' was first offered to Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe India Urvashi Rautela. In a recent interview with Hauterrfly, Urvashi Rautela made a shocking claim that she turned down the opportunity to make her Bollywood debut in the highly renowned film 'Ishaqzaade', produced by Yash Raj Films.

Urvashi Rautela made a comparison between the self-discipline needed to compete in the Olympics and the thorough training for beauty pageants. She shared, “When you prepare for beauty pageants, it's as equivalent to an athlete preparing for the Olympics. Because you have to control what you eat. You have to be very good at your exercises. You need to know all the different kinds of walks.”

She continued, “In fact, I had to let go of Yash Raj Films because I wanted to go for Miss Universe.”

Urvashi Rautela said she declined the film opportunity so that she could devote her time and energy to competing in the Miss Universe contest. “For a film called 'Ishaqzaade'. That was supposed to be my debut. But because since childhood this was my focus and I really wanted to prepare for it. Obviously, every single girl has a different kind of format that after winning this Bollywood is the main focus. But in my case, it was never like that,” she shared. 

Urvashi was asked whether she had ever discussed this with Parineeti Chopra.  In response, she said, “No, we haven't talked about it but it's good. Everyone's fate is written differently by God.”

About 'Ishaqzaade'

YRF's 'Ishaqzaade' is a romantic thriller film written and directed by Habib Faisal and produced by Aditya Chopra. With main actors Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra and supporting actors Gauahar Khan, Natasha Rastogi and Shashank Khaitan, the film was a hit. The film was released in May 2012.

There were three nominations for 'Ishaqzaade' at the 58th Filmfare Awards, including Best Actress for Parineeti and Best Male Debut for Arjun.