Rajinikanth reveals Aishwarya Rai was original choice for 'Padayappa'; Superstar was willing to wait 2-3 years for actress to play Neelambari

Ahead of 'Padayappa's re-release, Rajinikanth revealed Aishwarya Rai was his first choice for Neelambari, even willing to wait years. After her reported disinterest, Ramya Krishnan was cast. The superstar also confirmed a sequel, 'Neelambari: Padayappa 2', is in development, with script discussions underway.
As 'Padayappa' gears up for a grand theatrical re-release, superstar Rajinikanth has let fans in on some scoop about the film that went on to become a 90s blockbuster. In a special video released ahead of the premiere, the actor revealed a lesser-known fact about the film's cast. In the new clip, the superstar revealed that Ramya Krishnan was in fact not the first choice for the film, but rather, that he was keen to get Aishwarya Rai on-board.
Rajinikanth reveals Aishwarya was first choice
The veteran star candidly confessed his first choice for the role of Neelambari. “We wanted Aishwarya Rai to do the character, " he admitted and went on to reveal, "We tried to reach out to her after a lot of difficulties." Interestingly enough, he even shared that had the actress accepted the film role, "I was willing to wait even 2–3 years because that character was like that. It was imperative for the role to click."
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Aishwarya rejected role
Sadly for the actor, Ash was reportedly not too keen on the film. He said, "We heard that she was not interested." After Ash turned down the role, several leading names from Sridevi to Madhuri Dixit, were considered for the part. However, Rajinikanth said the team was searching for a performer with the “power in the eyes” and the “arrogance” needed to embody the character. That was when Director KS Ravikumar suggested Ramya. Rajinikanth and Aishwarya eventually collaborated years later in the sci-fi hit 'Enthiran'.
'Padayappa' sequel in the works
The actor also used the video to confirm that a sequel is officially in the works, titled 'Neelambari: Padayappa 2'. The superstar also shared that his team was discussing the story of the new film and that they would proceed with making it once they lock a script.
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