Actress Niki Walia says she was initially in contention for a role in Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do and that casting changed shortly before she was due to leave for shooting. Walia describes that she went through readings, had her travel arrangements handled, and was called by Akhtar at short notice when the decision shifted.
Walia tells outlets that Akhtar arranged for her to fly from the UK for the casting process and that key logistics were already locked in, including her dates and passport. She says that, the day before she planned to head for the shoot, Akhtar informed her of the change and cited an internal decision for dropping her from the project. Walia adds that Akhtar apologized.
The outlets vary mainly in emphasis. Times of India highlights the UK travel arrangement and Walia’s disappointment at missing the chance to play the character, while NDTV and Free Press Journal focus on the timing—just before departure—and the call/communication from Akhtar. All accounts agree that Shefali Shah ultimately took the role Walia had been considered for.
