Arshad Warsi Was Approached for Dawood Ibrahim Role in D-Day, Nikkhil Advani Recalls
In a surprising revelation, filmmaker Nikkhil Advani has disclosed that before Rishi Kapoor was cast as the iconic underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim in the 2013 film D-Day, he had a brief conversation with actor Arshad Warsi for the same role. This insight comes as the spy actioner D-Day experiences a resurgence in popularity, fueled by comparisons with the recent blockbuster Dhurandhar.
D-Day's Journey from Box-Office Flop to Cult Classic
Released over a decade ago, D-Day initially faced commercial disappointment but has since evolved into a cult favorite among action cinema enthusiasts. The film, starring an ensemble cast including Irrfan Khan, Arjun Rampal, and Huma Qureshi, is now widely regarded as ahead of its time, predating similar spy thrillers like Baby and Phantom. With Dhurandhar's success drawing renewed attention to the genre, social media has been abuzz with calls for a re-release of D-Day.
In an exclusive interview, Advani addressed the comparisons, noting that while Dhurandhar has achieved massive box-office success, D-Day continues to find its audience. He praised Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar for creating a front-foot film with powerful music, but emphasized that D-Day's legacy stands on its own merits.
Rishi Kapoor's Insistence on a Heroic Role
Advani shared an anecdote about how Rishi Kapoor, initially approached for a different supporting role, demanded to play the lead antagonist. "I went to narrate to him and he told me this is a very good story. But he got angry with me and said, 'Yaar, I'm not Jon Voight, I'm not like Gene Hackman. Give me a proper role. I want to play the hero of your film,'" Advani recalled. Kapoor then showed him a photograph of his character from Agneepath, which inspired Advani to offer him the Dawood Ibrahim role the next morning.
This decision proved pivotal, as Kapoor's performance became one of the most memorable in his career, showcasing his versatility beyond romantic and comedic roles.
Arshad Warsi's Brief Consideration and Underrated Potential
Before finalizing Kapoor, Advani had a fleeting discussion with Arshad Warsi about the Dawood role. "I think I had a brief conversation, very brief, with Arshad Warsi. Both of us were sitting at a party in Juhu, and I said I was thinking about casting an actor out of type for the role. He said, 'I'll do it. I don't mind testing for it. I don't mind doing a look test,'" Advani revealed.
He expressed regret that Warsi, often typecast as a comedian, has not been fully utilized in Bollywood. "I love Arshad, we are close friends. I know what he's capable of. He unfortunately got bracketed as a comedian, but he would have been incredible," Advani added, citing Warsi's performance in Ishqiya as evidence of his dramatic range.
Legacy and Industry Reflections
The casting what-ifs highlight the dynamic nature of filmmaking and the often-overlooked talents within the industry. D-Day's enduring appeal underscores how films can transcend initial commercial failures to achieve critical acclaim over time. As audiences revisit this cult classic, Advani's revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative decisions that shaped one of his most acclaimed works.
With Bollywood continuing to explore spy and action genres, the stories behind films like D-Day serve as valuable lessons in casting, vision, and perseverance in the face of box-office challenges.
