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In the world of Bollywood franchises, star power plays a massive role in drawing audiences. But sometimes, the cast of a beloved series changes either due to scheduling conflicts, creative differences, or personal choices. Over the years, several big-ticket film series have seen surprising exits and replacements that sparked buzz and speculation. Here's a look at some of the most notable casting changes in popular Bollywood franchises:

1. Don Series: Shah Rukh Khan Replaced Amitabh Bachchan
The original 'Don' was portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan in the 1978 classic. However, when Farhan Akhtar rebooted the franchise in 2006, Shah Rukh Khan stepped into the titular role. The new-age Don films gave the character a slick, modern twist while keeping the intrigue alive.

2. Hera Pheri Series: Kartik Aaryan Replaces Akshay Kumar (Temporarily)
The third installment of the much-loved comedy franchise sparked headlines when Akshay Kumar backed out. Kartik Aaryan was brought in, leading to a mixed response from fans. Eventually, Akshay confirmed his return to the series after public demand, and the project was reportedly reworked.

3. Bhool Bhulaiyaa Series: Kartik Aaryan Replaces Akshay Kumar
Another franchise that saw Kartik Aaryan take over from Akshay Kumar was Bhool Bhulaiyaa. In the 2022 sequel, Kartik played a new character, but the film carried forward the supernatural-comedy tone that made the original a hit.

4. Baaghi Series: Shraddha Kapoor Replaced by Disha Patani and Then by Tara Sutaria
While Tiger Shroff remained the face of the Baaghi action franchise, the female leads changed with each installment. Shraddha Kapoor starred in the first film, followed by Disha Patani in Baaghi 2 and Tara Sutaria in Baaghi 3.

5. Housefull Series: Dynamic Cast Rotations
The Housefull franchise is known for its ensemble casts, but several changes have been made over the years. While Akshay Kumar remained a constant presence, actors like Ritesh Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, and Bobby Deol have come and gone, bringing variety and freshness to each installment.

6. Welcome Series: Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar Left Out of Sequel Plans
Known for their iconic roles as Majnu and Uday Bhai, Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar were surprisingly not included in the upcoming sequel Welcome to the Jungle. Fans expressed disappointment, but the franchise appears to be moving in a new direction with a fresh cast.

7. Aashiqui Series: Changing Faces with Every Chapter
From Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal in the original Aashiqui to Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor in Aashiqui 2, the franchise has always featured new faces. With Aashiqui 3 in the works, fresh casting is expected once again.

Conclusion
Cast changes in franchises can be risky, but they often reflect evolving storylines, creative visions, and changing audience preferences. Whether these replacements work or not, they keep the buzz alive and add a new flavor to familiar sagas.
*This news appeared on Times of India on 20th May 2025

 

 

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