11 Years of Dedh Ishqiya: Kangana Ranaut Was Almost Cast in This Madhuri Dixit, Naseeruddin Shah, and Arshad Warsi Classic

Eleven years ago, the black comedy gem Dedh Ishqiya premiered, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood.

Contents

11 Years of Dedh Ishqiya: Kangana Ranaut Was Almost Cast in This Madhuri Dixit, Naseeruddin Shah, and Arshad Warsi Classic The Plot of Dedh Ishqiya The Making of Dedh Ishqiya Casting Changes and Final Line-Up 11 Years of Dedh Ishqiya: Kangana Ranaut Was Almost Cast in This Madhuri Dixit, Naseeruddin Shah, and Arshad Warsi Classic

Bollywood hasn’t explored the genre of black comedy extensively. However, when it has, many films have turned out to be immensely entertaining and captivating. Back in 2014, the release of Dedh Ishqiya, a sequel to Ishqiya (2010), significantly amplified the genre’s charm. Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi reprised their iconic roles, joined this time by Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Huma Qureshi. On this day, 11 years ago, Abhishek Chaubey’s Dedh Ishqiya was co-produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and hit the big screens.

11 Years of Dedh Ishqiya

The Plot of Dedh Ishqiya

Naseeruddin Shah plays Khalujaan, while Arshad Warsi takes on the role of his nephew Babban. Dedh Ishqiya is a dramatic and beautifully crafted tale of their journey. The duo successfully escapes with a highly valuable royal necklace but gets separated while evading the police. Months later, they reunite at a palace in Lucknow, where Khalujaan competes with Urdu poets for the affection of Begum Para, a widowed heiress played by Madhuri Dixit.

As Khalujaan grows closer to Begum Para, Babban develops feelings for the bold, mysterious, and sexually charged Muniya, Begum’s confidante, portrayed by Huma Qureshi. However, Begum Para’s sudden abduction after announcing her intended suitor casts a dark shadow over the events.

The Making of Dedh Ishqiya

The producers of Ishqiya, Vishal Bhardwaj and Shemaroo Entertainment, announced the sequel during a private party in Mumbai. The original cast and crew were set to return. Vidya Balan, who played the lead in Ishqiya, later exited the sequel.

Madhuri Dixit, who had returned to India from the U.S. in November 2011, accepted her first role in April 2012, portraying Begum Para, a central character with shades of grey.

Casting Changes and Final Line-Up

Both male leads, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi, returned from the original film. After Asin Thottumkal declined a supporting role, it was offered to another actress. In an interview, Asin revealed that she didn’t find the role appealing and chose not to take it up.

11 years of Dedh Ishqiya: Did you know Kangana Ranaut was almost part of Naseeruddin Shah, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi’s black comedy?#DedhIshqiya #11YearsOfDedhIshqiya #KanganaRanaut #NaseeruddinShah #MadhuriDixit #ArshadWarsi #HumaQureshi https://t.co/niBZCXz5Cc
— OTTplay (@ottplayapp) January 10, 2025

Kangana Ranaut later signed on for Dedh Ishqiya and announced that filming would commence soon. However, in December 2012, Kangana exited the film due to reported scheduling conflicts. Huma Qureshi then stepped in to fill the role. Arshad Warsi disclosed that Naseeruddin Shah was paired with Madhuri Dixit, while he was partnered with Huma Qureshi.