In a recent interview, Suneel Darshan Barsaat Akshay Kumar Priyanka Chopra became the focus as the filmmaker revealed details about the film’s original casting. According to Darshan, Akshay Kumar was initially finalized as the lead opposite Priyanka Chopra, and a song featuring the two actors had already been filmed. However, the project later faced hurdles, with Akshay reportedly asking Darshan to postpone the film due to personal reasons. Darshan eventually decided to retain Priyanka Chopra and cast Bobby Deol as her co-star, replacing Akshay Kumar in the project.
Key Takeaways
- Barsaat was initially planned with Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu.
- A song featuring Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra had reportedly already been filmed.
- According to Suneel Darshan, Akshay later asked for the film to be postponed.
- Darshan said he chose to retain Priyanka Chopra and eventually brought in Bobby Deol.
- Darshan connected the decision to what he described as potential repercussions in Akshay’s family.
- Claims about an alleged relationship between Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra remain claims and rumours, not independently established facts.
Suneel Darshan Barsaat Akshay Kumar Priyanka Chopra: What Did He Reveal?

Director Suneel Darshan narrates the story behind Barsaat: The movie which was initially slated for a feature with actors Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. According to Darshan, the shoot had been completed and a song sequence with the duo had also been canned. But at the time of the production to wrap up post an intermission, the film-makers met hurdles as and when they attempted to re-start the process again.
He further elaborated that Akshay had told him to postpone the film and as the situations got complicated, it became rather very tough for both the stars to go ahead with each other.
Ultimately to save the production from taking a back seat indefinitely, Darshan confirmed retaining Priyanka and roped in Bobby Deol for the hero’s role that had been earlier committed to Akshay.
Why Was Akshay Kumar Replaced in Barsaat?

When asked what the decision came as a consequence to, Suneel Darshan recounted that it pertained to certain aspects concerning Akshay Kumar, personally.
Darshan reasoned that a married film-maker, who owed a certain duty to professional partners like his partners in any film would indeed weigh-in with considerations regarding professional associations in view of personal life.
Thus, he said he had opted for keeping Priyanka Chopra, who (at that time of crisis narrated by Darshan) was a single woman on board the project to replace him, whom he considered would be the prudent decision.
Who Replaced Akshay Kumar in Barsaat?

Bobby Deol replaced Akshay Kumar in Barsaat. Eventually Bobby Deol starred with Priyanka and Bipasha Basu.
Darshan says that Priyanka has never let go of the project till date and the male lead initially for Akshay is replaced by Bobby Deol.
Barsaat Casting: Original vs Final
| Role | Original Plan | Final Film |
| Male lead | Akshay Kumar | Bobby Deol |
| Female lead | Priyanka Chopra | Priyanka Chopra |
| Other lead | Bipasha Basu | Bipasha Basu |
| Director | Suneel Darshan | Suneel Darshan |
This casting change is one of the more notable behind-the-scenes stories associated with the 2005 film.
Did Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra Have a Relationship?

Reports of a romance between Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra did the rounds when the pair were working on projects together, but an alleged romance cannot be reported as fact.
That’s how Darshan himself explained his comments in a past interview with Friday Talkies where he spoke on rumours about both actors and how they’ve apparently affected Mr Kumar.
Those are Darshan’s observations, not facts confirming a relationship
Which Movies Did Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra Work Together In?

Known to have collaborated in Hindi films like Andaaz (2003), Aitraaz (2004), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) to name a few, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra’s association, it’s easy for one to speculate them romancing in Barsaat.
In addition to the two superstars, Priyanka Chopra made a Hindi film for the first time and she surely hit the big leagues in it and she needed those kinds of collaborations in her films for which she took to none other than Suneel Darshan’s Andaaz. Produced by Darshan, Priyanka and Akshay together played lead alongside the stunning Lara Dutta.
What Happened to Barsaat After Akshay Kumar Left?

After Akshay Kumar was removed from the project, Suneel Darshan decided to go ahead with Bobby Deol.
The move came at a time when the director couldn’t have afforded to wait indefinitely for Akshay’s dates as a crew and setup for the film was in place.
Darshan revealed that it wasn’t feasible for the project to stay on hold. And so,Bobby Deol paired up with Priyanka Chopra and thus the film was made.
Suneel Darshan and Akshay Kumar’s Professional Relationship

‘Barsaat’ chapter was very important and the reason was that Barsaat featured both Darshan and Akshay Kumar in lead roles a lot of times.
However, before that both Darshan and Akshay have earlier worked with each other in hit films namely
- Jaanwar
- ‘Ek Rishtaa:
- The Bond of Love
- Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya
- ‘Andaaz’
- Talaash
- The Hunt Begins
Darshan has recently come out and spoken about the nasty fallout between him and Akshay as he said that they had not even spoken in years.
Suneel Darshan’s Connection With Priyanka Chopra Goes Back to Andaaz

The duo of Darshan had collaborated with Priyanka Chopra in Andaaz, prior toBarsaat .
In interviews over the years he has recounted seeing Chopra for the first time following her Miss World win, remarking on her impressive demeanor and driving spirit, as well as detailing the thorough preparations made by the actress for the film, including lengthy periods of dance training.
According to Darshan, Chopra’s viva curiosity and diligence contributed to the production of Andaaz, which became one of the first major features to feature Chopra and contributed significantly to establishing her as a budding talent in the industry.
Why the Barsaat Story Is Trending Again

The story resurfaced now because Suneel Darshan had of late spoken about it and his old associations with Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra in interviews. His current interview again sparked an interest in a film, whose casting apparently changed prior to its eventual release. What makes the story easily Googled are a combination of high-interest Bollywood elements – Suneel Darshan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Bobby Deol and the Barsaat story.
But, most crucially, it needs to be made distinctly clear as to the production-related aspect of the film and the alleged personal lives of the actors.
One has a body of production and casting records to back while the other has to be selectively and carefully identified with accusations.
Timeline: Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Barsaat

2003 – Andaaz
Priyanka Chopra appeared with Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta in Andaaz, produced by Suneel Darshan.
2003 – 2005 – Akshay and Priyanka Work Together
The pair appeared together in several films, including Andaaz, Aitraaz, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Waqt: The Race Against Time.
Barsaat Goes Into Production
Suneel Darshan planned Barsaat with Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu. A song featuring Akshay and Priyanka was reportedly filmed.
Production Difficulties
According to Darshan, Akshay later asked for the project to be postponed because of personal circumstances.
Bobby Deol Joins the Film
Darshan chose to retain Priyanka Chopra and cast Bobby Deol in the role initially intended for Akshay Kumar.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Alleged?
| Claim | How it should be reported |
| Akshay was originally associated with Barsaat | Reported by multiple outlets |
| A song featuring Akshay and Priyanka was filmed | According to Suneel Darshan’s account |
| Akshay later asked to postpone the film | According to Darshan |
| Bobby Deol replaced Akshay | Reported fact |
| Priyanka remained in the project | Reported fact |
| Akshay and Priyanka had a romantic relationship | Allegation/rumour; do not present as confirmed fact |
| Private marital consequences resulted from the alleged relationship | Darshan’s claim; requires attribution |
This distinction improves both editorial credibility and reader trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Akshay Kumar leave Barsaat?
According to Suneel Darshan, Akshay Kumar asked to postpone the film because of personal circumstances. Darshan eventually decided to proceed with Priyanka Chopra and replace Akshay with Bobby Deol.
Who replaced Akshay Kumar in Barsaat?
Bobby Deol replaced Akshay Kumar as the male lead in Barsaat.
Was Priyanka Chopra originally part of Barsaat?
Yes. Priyanka Chopra was part of the original casting plan and remained with the project after Akshay Kumar’s departure.
Did Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra work together before Barsaat?
Yes. They had previously appeared together in films including Andaaz, Aitraaz, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Waqt: The Race Against Time.
Did Suneel Darshan confirm an Akshay-Priyanka relationship?
No independent confirmation should be inferred from Darshan’s statements. He has made allegations and discussed rumours concerning the two actors, but those claims should be attributed to him rather than presented as established fact.
What was Suneel Darshan’s role in Andaaz?
Suneel Darshan produced Andaaz, which featured Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta.
When did Priyanka Chopra make her Bollywood debut?
Andaaz is widely described in contemporary coverage as an important early Hindi-film milestone for Priyanka Chopra, with Darshan producing the film.
What happened to the original Barsaat casting?
Akshay Kumar was replaced by Bobby Deol, while Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu remained associated with the project.

