Konkona Sen Sharma, reflecting on the 15th anniversary of Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut, "Luck By Chance," revealed that several actors initially turned down roles in the film because it was considered "not very conventional". Released in 2009, "Luck By Chance" stars Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead roles and features an ensemble cast including Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, and Juhi Chawla. The film is a satirical take on the Hindi film industry, exploring the struggles and triumphs of aspiring actors.
Zoya Akhtar reportedly spent seven years trying to bring her vision to life. According to reports, six actors rejected the lead role before Farhan Akhtar agreed to step in. Konkona Sen Sharma's recent comments shed light on the reasons behind the initial hesitations, suggesting that the film's unconventional narrative approach made some actors wary. The film portrays the behind-the-scenes reality of Bollywood, which may have differed from the more mainstream stories actors were used to.
"Luck By Chance" follows Vikram Jaisingh, played by Farhan Akhtar, an aspiring actor who arrives in Mumbai with dreams of stardom. He meets Sona Mishra, played by Konkona Sen Sharma, a struggling actress, and they begin a relationship as they navigate the challenges of the film industry. The film realistically depicts the struggles, ambitions, and personal relationships within Bollywood.
The movie also features cameo appearances by numerous industry figures, including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and others, playing themselves. These cameos add to the film's authentic portrayal of the Bollywood environment.
Notably, Konkona Sen Sharma was not the first choice for the role of Sona Mishra. Tabu was initially considered but had some reservations about the story and wanted to make changes. Zoya Akhtar, however, decided to replace Tabu with Konkona. Konkona Sen Sharma doesn't consider herself a top actress, but she is considered one of the best actresses in Bollywood because of her acting skills. She faced rejection several times due to her dusky look and short height.
"Luck By Chance" was lauded for its screenplay, performances, and realistic depiction of the film industry. Despite not being a major commercial success initially, the film has gained a cult following over the years. The film earned approximately ₹290 million at the box office.
