Abhishek Kapoor’s Azaad featured Ajay Devgn’s nephew Aaman Devgan instead of Siddharth Nigam, and Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani in the lead roles.
Recently, television actor Siddharth Nigam revealed that he was originally the first choice for the male lead.
However, after waiting for a year, he was replaced by Aaman Devgan—and he wasn’t even informed about the casting change.
Siddharth Nigam, known for his popular shows Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga and Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat recently opened up about being the original choice for the male lead in Abhishek Kapoor’s Azaad.
His mother, Vibha Nigam, shared with Instant Bollywood how Siddharth was replaced in the film without any prior intimation. She recalled taking Siddharth along for the narration, where the entire script was presented to them.
They waited patiently for a year, hopeful and excited, as she believed it would have been a strong launch for Siddharth in Bollywood. However, after two years, Siddharth came across the film’s poster and showed it to his mother, revealing that the movie had released with Ajay Devgn’s nephew Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani in the lead roles.
Vibha admitted feeling disheartened for the first time, adding that it hurt more when she realized both leads were star kids, which likely influenced the decision. Despite the disappointment, Siddharth maintained a mature perspective, acknowledging the nature of the business. He said no one was to blame and understood that the makers must have had their reasons. Though it was painful to invest hopes for over a year and then see someone else in the role, he concluded with, “Let’s move on.”
About Azaad Movie:
Set in 1920s India, the story follows a stable boy who forms a deep bond with a spirited horse. As the nation grapples with tyranny and rebellion, his connection with the horse becomes a powerful symbol of courage, igniting a sense of purpose within him that aligns with the country’s struggle for independence. The film also features Ajay Devgn and Diana Penty in pivotal roles.
(Also read: Azaad Star Aaman Devgan On Manifesting A Rohit Shetty Film & Uncle Ajay Devgn’s Bond With The Director)
