Pushpa: Nara Rohith Was First Pick for Fahadh’s Role

Actor Nara Rohith disclosed that he was originally approached to play the role of Bhanwar Singh Shekawat, the police officer in the acclaimed Pushpa film series directed by Sukumar. The films, Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2025), took five years to complete and feature Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil in pivotal roles that have become iconic.

In an interview with M9 News, Rohith confirmed that the filmmakers had initially contacted him for the role that Fahadh Faasil eventually portrayed. “During the COVID-19 lockdown, I posted pictures sporting a moustache. That caught the attention of Ravi Shankar garu and Sukumar garu, who then reached out to me,” he said. However, as the production evolved, the makers decided to cast Fahadh Faasil instead.

Rohith expressed mixed feelings about the role, admitting uncertainty about whether he could have matched Fahadh’s performance. “I’m not sure if I could’ve done justice to Bhanwar Singh like Fahadh did. But watching his portrayal, I realized it was outstanding,” he added.

The character of Bhanwar Singh Shekawat serves as the primary antagonist to Allu Arjun’s Pushpa Raj in the franchise. As a police officer determined to halt the illegal red sandalwood smuggling operation, Bhanwar is portrayed as a casteist figure intent on dismantling the smuggling ring at any cost. Despite the significance of the role, Fahadh Faasil expressed candid views about his experience, stating to Film Companion in 2024, “I don’t think Pushpa did anything for me. I told Sukumar Sir that. I want to be honest.”

Nara Rohith had taken a hiatus from acting following the commercial failure of his 2018 film Veera Bhoga Vasantha Rayalu. He made a notable comeback in 2024 with Prathinidhi 2, the same year he became engaged to his co-star Siree Lella. Rohith is currently preparing for upcoming projects Sundarakanda and Bhairavam.