Paresh Rawal opened up recently about being offered to play the role of Dr. Asthana in Rajkumar Hirani’s Munna M.B.B.S and said that he refused to be part of it due to the arrogance shown by producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The role eventually went to Boman Irani.
Speaking about it in an interview with Lallantop, Paresh said, “I was supposed to do Munna Bhai. We were discussing remuneration, and in my head, I wanted Rs 15 lakhs. Vidhu also offered the same number, but the way he said ‘I’ll give you 15’ miffed me. I asked for Rs 50 lakhs, and decided to not budge from my want just to not take arrogance from anyone. He (Vidhu) is someone who started ignoring the people he started off with, especially after becoming big in his career.”
Paresh said that it was not a question of money but dignity. “Artistes are built differently. If you place a hand on my shoulders, and ask nicely, I will do a film for even one rupee. But, if you throw around attitude, I won’t accept a role even if I’m paid in crores.”
The actor later played the role in the Telugu version of the film, where Chiranjeevi starred as the lead. He also played the role of Sunil Dutt in the biopic of Sanjay Dutt, Sanju, which was also produced by Vidhu.
Paresh was last seen in The Storyteller. He will be seen next in Housefull 5, Bhoot Bangla and Hera Pheri 3.