Khushbu Sundar expressed regret over being a part of Rajinikanth starrer Annaatthe and revealed that her role in the film was not what she was initially promised by the makers.
Khushbu Sundar, in a recent interview, expressed disappointment over her role in Siva’s 2021 film Annaathhe, and added that she regrets being a part of this Rajinikanth starrer.
In a chat with Vicky Lalwani, when Khushbu was asked if if there were any movies in her filmography, regardless of language, that she wished she had not taken up. The actress reflected upon her career and said, “A recent example is the movie that I did with Rajinikanth sir. The role didn’t turn out like it was sold to me. Eventually, there was no (on-screen) pairing with Rajini sir for me.”
Khushbu revealed that initially when the makers approached her for Annaathhe, her role was ‘very happy-go-lucky, comical and fun-loving’, but ended up being caricaturish in the final product. The Vedan actress said that despite being promised a significant role alongside Rajinikanth, her character got sidelined when Nayanthara was introduced as the lead heroine opposite the Tamil superstar.
“The film featured Meena and me, and it was initially conveyed that we would both be like heroines. I accepted the project believing that there would be no other actor paired opposite Rajini sir and that we would be there throughout. It was a very happy-go-lucky, comical and fun-loving role. But then, as the project progressed, Rajini sir suddenly got a heroine and a character was pushed into it. Then I felt… I became a caricaturish character.”
Khushbu admitted that she was very disappointed when she saw the action drama while dubbing for it.
On being asked if the change might have been Rajinikanth’s decision, the actress dismissed the idea.
She shared, “He is not a person like that. I have known him for many years. I don’t know what exactly happened; maybe the fans demanded it or if the director and producer felt like getting a new heroine. Initially, both Meena and I had separate duet songs with Rajini sir. Maybe it was later decided that there should be a proper pairing.”
Despite all the hype, Annaatthe, upon its theatrical release, received negative reviews and failed to impress at the box office. The film starred Rajinikanth in titular role alongside Keerthy Suresh and Nayanthara. Annaatthe follows the story of a local leader who strives to protect his younger sister from the clutches of an evil gangster after she elopes with her lover and relocates to Kolkata.
