11 years of Dedh Ishqiya: Did you know Kangana Ranaut was almost part of Naseeruddin Shah, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi's black comedy?

Bollywood has not explored the genre of black comedy much. However, when explored, many of these films prove to be highly entertaining and captivating. Eleven years ago, the release of the sequel to Ishqiya (2010), Dedh Ishqiya in 2014, significantly enhanced its appeal. Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi reprised their iconic roles in the film, joined this time by Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Huma Qureshi. On this day, 11 years ago, Vishal Bhardwaj co-produced Abhishek Chaubey's Dedh Ishqiya on the big screen.

Plot of Dedh Ishqiya

Naseeruddin Shah stars as poacher Khalujaan, while Arshad Warsi plays his nephew Babban. Dedh Ishqiya is a dramatic and beautiful look at their journey. They manage to abscond with a highly esteemed royal necklace. However, they become separated during a police pursuit and reunite months later at a Lucknow castle, where Khalujaan is pitted against Urdu poets in a competition for the affections of Begum Para, a widowed heiress played by Madhuri Dixit. Babban develops feelings for the audacious, enigmatic, and sexually aroused Muniya (Huma Qureshi), who is Begum's confidante, as Khalujaan draws nearer to Begum. However, Begum Para's abduction shortly after her announcement of her intended spouse casts a dark shadow.

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The producers of Ishqiya (2010), Vishal Bhardwaj and Shemaroo Entertainment, announced the sequel at a private party in Mumbai. The original cast and crew will return for the sequel. Vidya Balan, who played the lead role in Ishqiya, was later said to be out of the sequel. After returning to India from the US in November 2011, Madhuri Dixit landed her first part in April 2012 when she accepted the role of Begum Para, the film's central character and a grey woman.

Cast shifts and final line-up

From the original, both male leads—Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi—returned. Once Asin Thottumkal declined the supporting actor role, someone else received the offer. In an interview, she explained that she didn't think the part was beautiful; thus, she refused to perform in that capacity. Shortly after, Kangana Ranaut signed Dedh Ishqiya and said that filming will soon begin. Her dismissal occurred in December 2012, however, purportedly as a result of ongoing date problems. Huma Qureshi took over the role. Arshad Warsi disclosed that Madhuri's partner was Naseeruddin Shah, and Huma partnered with him.

Dedh Ishqiya is available to stream on Prime Video, ShemarooMe (OTTplay Premium), and Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium).

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