Randeep Hooda, who is currently earning praise for his intense portrayal of the antagonist in Jaat alongside Sunny Deol, recently reflected on one of the most heartbreaking chapters of his career. In a candid conversation, he shared how his dream project — a film based on the legendary Battle of Saragarhi — was shelved, despite years of commitment and preparation.
The actor recalled that he had begun working on the film much before Kesari, the Akshay Kumar-starrer based on the same historic event, entered production. However, when Kesari was announced and eventually released, Randeep’s own project came to a standstill. He expressed his disappointment at how things unfolded, particularly the decision of the producers of Kesari to continue with their film while his was already underway. Speaking about the situation, he said, “Uske baad Kesari bani thi. Uske doran hi shuru kar di thi, which was in bad taste…”
During an interview, Randeep shared that 30 to 40 percent of his Battle of Saragarhi film had already been shot before it was halted. He revealed the emotional cost of the setback, describing how deeply invested he was in the project. The role meant more than just another character to him — it was a spiritual journey. “Woh picture ki shooting bhi hui. Woh lalchi logon ke lalach ki vajah se nahi bani. Usme main akela hi Sikh tha. Baki koi Sikh nahin tha,” he explained.
Randeep also opened up about how he immersed himself in Sikh faith and history to portray the role with authenticity and respect. He made a spiritual commitment, stating, “bahut Sikh religion pe aur Sikh bhavano pe dhala tha.” Taking it a step further, he even made a solemn vow before the Guru Granth Sahib. “Maine kasam khai thi Guru Granth Sahib ke samne…” he said, highlighting just how personal and profound the project had become for him.
In pursuit of his passion for the story of Saragarhi, Randeep Hooda had even turned down a role in the sequel to Extraction, demonstrating the extent to which he prioritized this project. But the loss of the film took a toll not only on his career trajectory but also on his emotional well-being. “Bahut hi depression ho gaya tha,” he admitted, sharing how the disappointment led him into a period of deep emotional distress.
Though the film never saw the light of day, Randeep Hooda’s emotional honesty and unwavering dedication continue to resonate with fans, reminding us of the sacrifices artists often make behind the scenes — stories of passion and heartbreak that don’t always make it to the silver screen.
