Three years ago, Rajkumar Hirani presented his film 'Sanju' to the world. Actor Ranbir Kapoor gave a phenomenal performance as the iconic and controversial actor Sanjay Dutt. During the casting phase, Rajkumar Hirani offered the film to his frequent collaborator Aamir Khan but the latter turned it down. Apparently, Aamir was offered the role of Sanjay's father, Sunil Dutt but Aamir was too keen to play the titular role that he turned down Hirani's offer.

In an interview a few years ago, Aamir said, "Dutt Saab's role is a fabulous role. There is so much about Sanju's relationship with his father, but Sanju's role is unbelievable. I told Raju that role had won my heart. In this film, I can't do any other role apart from Sanjay Dutt's, which I can't do because Ranbir is doing. So don't offer me any other role. I can't come to a set thinking and be looking at Ranbir and be like, hmmm.. these should be my lines."

It sure would've been awkward to see Sanjay Dutt's contemporary play him in a biopic so ultimately it was a great decision by the casting directors. Also Ranbir's dedication to the part and his different looks throughout the narrative made the film what it was.