Now it can be told! Everyone knows that Fardeen Khan was initially supposed to enact the role that has been portrayed brilliantly by Akshaye Khanna in RACE. Also, Mallika Sherawat was the first choice for the role of Mini [eventually portrayed by Sameera Reddy], the dumb associate of the investigating officer. Not many know that the casting underwent many changes before it finally went to the actors we see on screen today. Read on… To start with, when Fardeen Khan opted out of the project [the dates were clashing with HEYY BABYY], the makers approached John Abraham for the part. John heard the script, but declined the offer because he didn't want to portray a negative role [didn't he win accolades in DHOOM?]. The role went to Akshaye Khanna. Before Bipasha Basu came into the picture, the role was initially offered to Priyanka Chopra. She too, like John, didn't like the idea of playing a negative role interesting [although she won tremendous praise for her part in Abbas-Mustan's AITRAAZ]. Bipasha was the next choice and when she heard the script, it was a 'Yes' instantly. Anil Kapoor too wasn't the first choice for the part of the investigating officer. This role was first offered to Ajay Devgan, who loved the script, but felt that he wouldn't like to do a strong, intense film then. Akshay Kumar was approached next. The actor shares a terrific rapport with Abbas-Mustan, but he declined the role because he didn't want to play a secondary role. ... read more »