‘The actress who said yes went to America’: Was Ektaa Kapoor hinting at Priyanka Chopra for Naagin film?

Did Priyanka Chopra almost play Naagin on the big screen is a question resurfacing after producer Ektaa Kapoor spoke about the origins of the popular supernatural franchise on a recent podcast. Speaking on a show hosted by Usha Kakade Productions, Kapoor reflected on how Indian folklore often gets sidelined despite its deep cultural roots. She argued that stories passed down through generations still resonate, yet filmmakers frequently turn to Western superheroes instead of local myths.

During the conversation, Kapoor recalled that Naagin was first imagined as a feature film rather than a television series. She said, “Mythology in India is deeply instilled in the people of this country. We grew up listening to these stories from our grandparents.” She added that the idea of a shape shifting serpent seeking revenge was familiar to most Indians.

Ektaa then revealed that she had approached two leading actresses with the script. “I first wanted to make a film called Naagin. I had even gone to two big stars with the story, one said yes, the other refused,” she said. She further stated, “The actress who said yes went off to America.” That development led her to rethink the project.

Soon after, Kapoor decided to adapt the concept for television. The move proved successful, as Naagin went on to become one of Indian television’s most watched fantasy shows. Following the podcast clip, social media users speculated that the unnamed actress could be Priyanka Chopra, who moved to the United States around the same period.

The speculation gained momentum due to Kapoor’s earlier comments. In a past Film Companion discussion, she had revealed meeting Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra with the film idea. Katrina reportedly questioned whether a film titled Naagin would work commercially, while Kapoor said her meeting with Chopra happened when the actor was preparing to go abroad.

Today, Naagin continues as a long running franchise. Its seventh season premiered on December 27, last year. The current season stars Priyanka Chahar Choudhary and Namik Paul in lead roles, alongside Eisha Singh, Alice Kaushik and Karan Kundrra. While Kapoor has not confirmed any names, her remarks.