A slew of actors don't mind being the second choice after a-list stars reject a film.

There are just a handful of A-listers who get approached for most big-budget films in Bollywood. Not surprisingly, many a times they are forced to let go of some very lucrative offers. However, it seems to have become a blessing in disguise for other actors who do not really mind replacing their more famous and perhaps much busier fellow colleagues.

Ranveer replaced Ranbir
With the Magadheera remake and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Romeo and Juliet, Raveer Singh seems to have bagged two of the biggest projects of his career. But few know that he is actually replacing Ranbir Kapoor, who was the first choice for both these films. Ever since Rockstar, Ranbir has been bogged down with offers, hence forcing him to opt out of the ones he could not devote time for.

Says a source, "For Magadheera they were initially looking for someone who looks the part like Salman or Hrithik. But eventually they thought Ranbir would be apt for the role considering his popularity has soared manifold since his last film. But the dates couldn't be adjusted and they got Ranveer for the role."

Similarly for Romeo and Juliet, Bhansali apparently wanted Ranbir to play the lead. "Bhansali even discussed a few scripts with Ranbir. Romeo and Juliet were first on the list, but nothing materialised. So Ranveer Singh was signed on."

Kangna replaced Vidya
For some reason Kangna does seem to have an indirect professional connect with Vidya Balan. Earlier rumours suggested that she was first offered The Dirty Picture. Now we see Kangana replacing Vidya in two other films including Shootout at Wadala and the Ishqiya sequel.


Adds a source, "It's a strange co-incidence considering both of them have such diverse personalities. Anyone who is replacing Vidya with Kangana obviously does not have a set character sketch for the role and it keeps changing according to who is available or not. However, ever since The Dirty Picture, Vidya has been quite particular of taking on roles that are worth her time and effort."

Asin replaced Genelia
Asin seems to be most producers' second option these days considering she doesn't really have much to do. She apparently replaced Genelia D'Souza in Salman Khan's Ready and more recently Deepika Padukone in Housefull 2.

Adds a source, "She was approached for Sanjay Gupta's next and was also in talks for Race 2, when Sonakshi walked out." Sadly for her many of those offers don't seem to have worked out. She recently had a fall-out with Sanjay Gupta who accused her of making up stories about being approached for the film.

Chitrangada to replace Deepika?
With Chitrangada Singh suddenly promoting herself to starring in big budget films, she too seems to be the back-up option for many filmmakers. Buzz is that she has now been approached to replace Deepika Padukone in Race 2. Adds a source, "Though Chitrangada was replaced by Jacqueline Fernandez in Krrish 2, she is looking to do lead roles in big films.

If things work out she will take up Race 2." Buzz was that Chitangada even replaced Mugdha Godse in a film named Peter Gaya Kaam Se.