"It was my film," Genelia D'souza reacts on not being cast in the Bollywood version of 'Ready'

While Ready became a major turning point in Bollywood with Salman Khan at the forefront, not everyone remembers that the film actually started in Telugu cinema. The original version, released in 2008, starred Ram Pothineni and Genelia D’Souza. The Hindi remake, which arrived three years later, had a completely different cast, with Asin stepping into the female lead’s shoes.

Recently, during a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Genelia addressed the casting choice for the Hindi version. When asked if she ever felt overlooked or disappointed about not being part of the Bollywood adaptation, her response was graceful. She mentioned she would’ve enjoyed being part of the Hindi version as it held personal value for her, but also added that perhaps she and Salman Khan will collaborate on another film someday. Her response has gained attention across fan pages and social media timelines, sparking discussions about casting choices in remakes.

The original Ready was one of the biggest successes of the year in Telugu cinema, built around quirky scenarios and a layered family setting. The central storyline involved a mix-up during a wedding rescue and evolved into an elaborate plan involving impersonation and trickery. The chemistry between Ram and Genelia was a highlight of the film, and it led to considerable audience appreciation.

When the Hindi version was developed, director Anees Bazmee took it in a louder, broader direction. It retained the overall plot structure but ramped up the energy with larger-than-life action, fast-paced comedy, and big-budget production. The remake worked commercially, appealing to a pan-India audience and solidifying Salman Khan’s mass appeal post-Dabangg.

While Genelia wasn’t part of the remake, her contribution to the original continues to be remembered by fans of South Indian cinema. The actress has since worked selectively, balancing films with her personal life, but the idea of a potential collaboration with Salman Khan is already exciting her admirers. Whether or not that wish comes true, her take on the matter reflects a sense of professionalism and optimism rarely seen in conversations about casting snubs.

She is currently a part of Sitaare Zameen Par, where she is paired opposite Aamir Khan.