In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood circles, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has pulled back the curtain on the industry's behind-the-scenes politics and the surprising resistance faced by one of its biggest stars.
The 'Treadmill' Label That Shocked Everyone
Kashyap recently disclosed that during the casting phase of his ambitious project Bombay Velvet, several prominent Bollywood directors actively discouraged him from casting Ranveer Singh. The reason? They dismissively referred to the now-superstar as a "treadmill" - a coded industry term apparently meant to describe his hyper-energetic persona.
"Big directors used to call him treadmill," Kashyap revealed, highlighting the casual cruelty that often characterizes industry conversations about rising talent.
The Ranbir Kapoor Pressure Campaign
Even more revealing was Kashyap's admission about the sustained pressure he faced to cast Ranbir Kapoor instead. Multiple industry heavyweights apparently urged him to reconsider his casting choice, pushing for the then-more-established Kapoor over the relatively newer Singh.
This pressure came despite Kashyap's own vision for the film and his belief in Singh's capabilities. The revelation exposes the herd mentality that sometimes dominates Bollywood decision-making, where established names often get preference over emerging talent.
Irony of History's Judgment
The disclosure becomes particularly ironic given subsequent career trajectories. While Bombay Velvet ultimately featured Ranbir Kapoor and failed to make a mark at the box office, Ranveer Singh has since evolved into one of Bollywood's most bankable and critically acclaimed stars.
Singh's filmography now includes multiple blockbusters and award-winning performances, proving the initial industry skepticism completely misplaced. His unique energy and commitment to roles - once mocked as "treadmill" behavior - have become his signature strengths.
Broader Implications for Bollywood
Kashyap's candid confession raises important questions about:
- Industry gatekeeping and how established figures influence casting decisions
- The resistance to unique talent that doesn't fit traditional molds
- The importance of trusting one's vision against industry pressure
- How quickly industry perceptions can change with proven success
This revelation adds to growing conversations about nepotism, insider networks, and the challenges faced by outsiders in the Indian film industry. It serves as both a cautionary tale about writing off talent too quickly and an inspiring story of how authentic artistry eventually triumphs over industry politics.
