Sharib Hashmi opens up about being rejected for Vicky Kaushal’s role in Sanju after being shortlisted: ‘Bada afsos hai’

The revelation by Sharib Hashmi that he was shortlisted but ultimately rejected for the role that Vicky Kaushal played in the film Sanju has drawn attention to how unpredictable casting is in the film industry. Hashmi expressed his disappointment openly saying “Bada afsos hai” (I regret it deeply) showing both the professional impact of missing out on such a significant opportunity.

### 1. Background: Sharib Hashmi and his career journey

#### life and struggles

Sharib Hashmi is widely respected for his realistic acting style and ability to portray relatable characters. Before gaining recognition he went through years of struggle like actors in Mumbai. Here are some key points about his journey:

* He worked odd jobs to support himself while pursuing acting.

* He faced repeated rejections during auditions.

* He initially worked behind the scenes including roles in filmmaking.

* His breakthrough came later compared to many mainstream actors.

* Unlike star kids or actors with industry connections Hashmi built his career gradually through persistence and talent.

#### Breakthrough roles and rise to fame

Hashmi eventually gained recognition through notable projects:

* Film roles: He appeared in films like Jab Tak Hai Jaan ( role) and worked in independent and supporting roles in Hindi cinema.

* Breakthrough: The Family Man, an Amazon Prime series starring Manoj Bajpayee was his biggest breakthrough.

* He played JK Talpade, an loyal intelligence officer which made him extremely popular. Audiences loved his humor, emotional depth and chemistry with Bajpayee.

### 2. The film Sanju: why the role was important

#### Overview of the movie

Sanju directed by Rajkumar Hirani and released in 2018 is a biographical film about the life of actor Sanjay Dutt. The main cast included Ranbir Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt, Vicky Kaushal as Kamli (Sanjay’s friend) Paresh Rawal as Sunil Dutt, Anushka Sharma and Sonam Kapoor. The film was a commercial success earning over ₹500 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Hindi films. It received acclaim, especially for performances.

#### Importance of Vicky Kaushal’s role (Kamli)

The character Kamli was crucial to the film as he represented Sanjay Dutt’s friend provided emotional support added humor and warmth and helped humanize Sanjay Dutt’s character. The role was. Inspired by real-life friendships. Vicky Kaushal received praise for his role with many critics saying he nearly stole the show, which significantly boosted his career.

### 3. Sharib Hashmi’s audition and shortlisting

Hashmi revealed that he auditioned for Kamli’s role was shortlisted and reached rounds indicating that casting directors seriously considered him. Despite being shortlisted he did not get the role. Expressed his regret by saying, “Bada afsos hai.” This rejection mattered because the film became a blockbuster the role became iconic and it transformed Vicky Kaushal’s career. It could have accelerated Hashmi’s success earlier.

### 4. Why Vicky Kaushal was chosen

Casting decisions depend on many factors like physical appearance, screen presence, chemistry with the lead actor and the director’s vision. Vicky Kaushal’s tall athletic personality suited the character’s image. By 2017-18 Kaushal was gaining recognition for his roles in Masaan, Raman Raghav 2.0 and Raazi. Ultimately director Rajkumar Hirani decides casting based on factors like tone, visual balance with Ranbir Kapoor and commercial considerations.

### 5. How Sanju changed Vicky Kaushal’s career

Sanju made Kaushal mainstream gaining him recognition and award nominations. Directors began offering him roles. Following Sanju Kaushal starred in Uri: The Surgical Strike, Sardar Udham, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and Sam Bahadur. Uri especially made him a superstar with his dialogue “How’s the josh?”

### 6. How Sharib Hashmi handled rejection

Hashmi admitted his disappointment openly showing that actors deeply care about opportunities and missing roles can be painful. Despite rejection he continued working. Eventually found success in The Family Man and independent films on OTT platforms.

### 7. Reality of auditions in Bollywood

This incident highlights that talented actors face rejection, which does not mean a lack of talent. Many famous actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Manoj Bajpayee faced years of rejection. Casting depends on factors including physical match, age appearance, chemistry with co-actors, market value and director’s instinct. Sometimes small factors determine outcomes. Luck plays a major role.

### 8. OTT platforms changed opportunities for actors like Sharib Hashmi

Before OTT, Bollywood favored stars and supporting actors had limited visibility. After the rise of OTT actors like Hashmi gained roles in shows like The Family Man, Scam 1992 and Sacred Games. OTT created opportunities for performers.

### 9. Psychological impact of missing major roles

Actors may experience regret self-doubt and frustration especially when the film becomes a blockbuster. Missing a hit film can delay career growth. However Hashmi reached recognition later through OTT.

### 10. Sharib Hashmi’s eventual success proves persistence matters

The Family Man changed everything for Hashmi. His character JK Talpade became iconic and fans loved his humor, emotional scenes and friendship dynamic. He became one of the show’s highlights. Is now considered one of India’s finest supporting actors and a reliable performer.

### 11. Comparison of both actors’ career paths

Vicky Kaushal had indie success, a major breakthrough with Sanju and superstardom after Uri. Sharib Hashmi had a struggle supporting roles and a major OTT breakthrough. Both succeeded through routes.

### 12. Lessons from this story

* Rejection is part of success.

* Persistence matters than one role.

* OTT democratized opportunities for actors.

* Casting decisions are subjective.

### 13. Industry perspective: Why such stories resonate

Fans find such stories relatable as they show the side of actors reveal struggles behind success and highlight the unpredictability of careers. It also increases respect for actors who persist.

### 14. Sharib Hashmi’s attitude today

Despite regret Hashmi remains positive valuing his success and continuing to pursue challenging roles. He has built a career.

### 15. Broader reflection on success. Timing

The entertainment industry is unpredictable. Two actors audition for the role; one becomes a superstar through it and the other succeeds later differently. Both outcomes are valid. Hashmi’s story shows that success may come later—. It can still come. Sharib Hashmi’s revelation that he was shortlisted but rejected for the role eventually played by Vicky Kaushal in Sanju highlights the competitive nature of the film industry. His regret—expressed as “Bada afsos hai”—reflects how meaningful such opportunities can be for actors striving to establish themselves.

The role became a turning point in Vicky Kaushal’s career helping him transition into stardom. However Hashmi’s journey demonstrates that rejection does not define an actor’s future. Through persistence he eventually achieved recognition through OTT platforms with The Family Man, where his performance earned widespread appreciation.

This story ultimately illustrates key truths: casting decisions are complex rejection is common even, for talented performers and success can arrive through unexpected paths. Sharib Hashmi’s career serves as an example of resilience proving that while missing an opportunity can be painful it does not prevent long-term success.