Raaj Shaandilyaa has opened up about why Nushrratt Bharuccha didn’t return for Dream Girl 2. She played the female lead in Dream Girl (2019) but didn’t feature in the second part. In a recent interview, Nushrratt admitted that getting dropped from the film “hurt.” Now, the director has shared his side of the story.
Raaj Shaandilyaa On Casting New Female Lead In Dream Girl 2
While speaking to Times of India, Raaj clarified that Dream Girl 2 wasn’t a direct sequel. He explained that it was more of a franchise film. He said, “If it were a sequel, then Nushrratt would have been cast in the film.” According to him, Ayushmann and Nushrratt’s love story had already ended in the first film.
Raaj said they kept only the core characters – Ayushmann, Annu Kapoor, and Manjot Singh. Since the story was different this time, they brought in a new female lead. That’s how Ananya Panday entered the picture.
Earlier, Nushrratt told Nayandeep Rakshit, “It hurt me even more when I was not a part of my own sequel. Every other actor was the same, except the girl, which I felt was not cool, na, guys? I can’t fight something I know is not going to change. Eventually, it’s a choice somebody’s making. I cannot question your choice.”
Director Responds To Her ‘HURT’ Comment, Confirms Ananya Won’t Feature In 3rd Part
Raaj responded to her comments and shared that Nushrratt once asked him why she wasn’t part of the film. He told her they needed a new girl for the plot. He said, “There’s no room for disappointment. Jab hum third part banayenge, we’ll cast a new girl in it. Usme Ananya nahi hogi, koi aur hogi.” Raaj also called Nushrratt a “dear friend” and mentioned that he plans to cast her in a new project.
Meanwhile, Dream Girl 2 turned out to be a hit. It earned over Rs 142 crore at the global box office. The story followed Ayushmann’s character, who cross-dressed and used a female voice, which led to hilarious confusion. The film also featured Abhishek Banerjee, Paresh Rawal, Seema Pahwa, and Ananya Panday.
(Also read: Sidharth Malhotra Signs Raaj Shaandilyaa’s Comedy Film Backed By Mahaveer Jain; Shoot Set For September 2025 – Report)
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