Priyanka nearly lost out on the Barfi role

The Barfi trailers are receiving rave reviews and along with the film's hero Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra too seems to be having an ace up her sleeve. But not many know, that during the casting stages, PC had nearly lost out on the role. Apparently, Anurag was not sure of her abilities to pull off the role of an autistic person.

A source attached to the film says, "Initially, Anurag was only sure of two things ' he wanted Ranbir to play the role of Barfi and a newcomer for Priyanka's role, because he didn't want any star baggage hampering the character." But, after much insistence, Anurag decided to give Priyanka a chance to try out the part. "It was mutually agreed that a workshop would be held and only if the results were really favourable, would the director take it to the next level." A three-day workshop was held shortly afterwards, which tipped the scales in Priyanka's favour.

Recalling the episode, Anurag says, "Both Priyanka and I were very apprehensive in the beginning. All I can say is that our fears of casting Priyanka were completely erased after the workshop. Credit goes to Priyanka for taking to the workshop like she was working on her first film. Trust me, she is going to surprise everybody. I am sure, she herself will be surprised too as she doesn't know what she has given to the film." We hope the surprise is a pleasant one.