Heer Ranjha Casting Buzz: Rohit Saraf Reports Denied by Sajid Ali

By Shantishwarup Tripathi

Whenever soulful love and separation are discussed in Indian cinema, the first name that comes to mind is Imtiaz Ali. But when his vision merges with the raw and rooted storytelling of Sajid Ali, a cult classic like Laila Majnu is born. Now, the duo is reuniting with Heer Ranjha. On Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2026), Imtiaz Ali announced his next film, revealing that after eight years he is collaborating again with his younger brother Sajid Ali, who will direct the project. The announcement created a wave of excitement in Bollywood corridors. The return of the creative force behind Laila Majnu felt like a cinematic explosion. However, even before shooting begins, the biggest mystery revolves around the casting of the male lead.

The Controversy: Is Rohit Saraf Playing Ranjha?

Soon after the announcement, several major Indian newspapers and two international websites claimed that Mismatched fame Rohit Saraf had been selected to play Ranjha. His fans were thrilled. Rohit’s image as a chocolate-boy and sensitive performer seems to fit perfectly into Imtiaz Ali’s romantic universe.

Rohit Saraf is considered one of the biggest youth icons today. With over 4.7 million Instagram followers and the success of the web series Mismatched, he earned the tag of a “lover boy.”

Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, the 29-year-old actor began his career with the TV serial Best Friends Forever? in 2012, followed by Ek Boond Ishq. He made his film debut in Dear Zindagi alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt. Since then, he has appeared in films like Dear Maya, What Will People Say, Hichki, The Sky Is Pink, Ludo, Woh Bhi Din The, Thug Life, and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.

He will soon be seen in The Revolutionaries, directed by Nikkhil Advani, portraying a revolutionary — a role that could significantly transform his image. The Prime Video period drama is based on Sanjeev Sanyal’s non-fiction book Revolutionaries: The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom.

Additionally, Rohit will return in Mismatched Season 4 on Netflix in 2026, reprising his role as Rishi Singh Shekhawat. This season explores a darker, more conflicted side of his character following a breakup, highlighting emotional turmoil and complex relationships.

Sajid Ali’s Denial

However, within 24 hours, director Sajid Ali dismissed the reports, stating that no actor has officially been finalized. He clarified that the casting process is still underway for both Heer and Ranjha.

This raises the big question — why was Rohit Saraf seemingly put on hold? Is his “chocolate-boy” image now a limitation? Or does Sajid feel that Ranjha requires a raw, earthy madness that perhaps a new face might embody better?

Sajid understands that Rohit is strongly associated with an urban romantic image, while Heer Ranjha demands the fragrance of soil and the agony of separation.

Sajid Ali’s Journey: From Flop to Comeback

In 2018, Sajid Ali proved through Laila Majnu that he was not merely living in his brother’s shadow. While Imtiaz’s films often explore self-discovery, Sajid’s storytelling touches the extreme edges of passion where lovers dissolve themselves in love.

Despite its later cult status, Laila Majnu was a box-office disaster upon release. Though actors like Avinash Tiwary and Triptii Dimri continued to rise in their careers, Sajid bore the brunt of the failure.

During the past eight years, Sajid was not inactive. He directed the web series Dr. Arora (streaming on SonyLIV since July 22, 2022) and the film Woh Bhi Din The (streaming on ZEE5 since March 29, 2024). However, he never received the acclaim that Imtiaz did, especially after Imtiaz’s success with Amar Singh Chamkila.

Now, Heer Ranjha appears to be a “do or die” moment for Sajid Ali.

Industry Speculation

There is buzz that Imtiaz considers Sajid his “alter ego.” The risks Imtiaz hesitates to take for himself, he may want Sajid to explore. But the crucial question remains — does Sajid understand the pulse of 2026 audiences, or is he still riding the post-release cult success wave of Laila Majnu?

Interestingly, when Laila Majnu was re-released in 2025, it turned profitable, restoring faith in Sajid’s storytelling.
Producer Ekta Kapoor is also associated with Heer Ranjha. From a commercial standpoint, having Rohit Saraf could ensure a strong opening. Yet, both Imtiaz and Sajid are known for taking creative risks.

Some in Bollywood even consider Heer Ranjha an extension of the Laila Majnu universe — a modern reimagining of classic romance.

Final Question

With expectations soaring, the rejection of Rohit Saraf’s casting signals that the makers are searching for someone who fits their vision one hundred percent.

Will Rohit ultimately play Ranjha?

Or is Sajid Ali preparing to surprise everyone with a completely new face?
The sword still hangs — and the answer may redefine the future of modern tragic romance in Bollywood.

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