Did you Know? Actors Hrithik Roshan, Arjun Rampal and Daniel Craig Were Approached To Cast In The Movie Rang De Basanti!

As per media reports, among the few who were first approached to star in the movie were Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. Early rumors also indicated that Daniel Craig, the English actor who has gained international fame by playing the role of fictional secret agent James Bond, was offered the role of James McKinley, but he could not do it as he was committed to Casino Royale (2006) . 

Aamir Khan, who was in his early 40's, agreed immediately after hearing the script from director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Mr. Khan underwent a strict diet and exercise plan and eventually worked hard to lose 10 kgs, to look like a 25-year-old!

As a result of scenes depicting a MiG-21 fighter aircraft and a banned Indian horse race, the release of the film was resisted by the Indian Defence Ministry and the Animal Welfare Board.

The music for the film Rang De Basanti, released by Sony BMG, was composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics written by Prasoon Joshi and Blaaze, a rapper based in India. Two songs from the film (“Khalbali” and “Luka Chuppi"), were in contention for a nomination in the Best Original Song category at the Academy Awards.

Primarily filmed in New Delhi, the movie Rang De Basanti was launched worldwide on the 26th of January, 2006. It set new records for initial box office earnings in India upon its release.

According to Box Office India, the movie did a worldwide gross revenue of INR 97.9 crore.

In 2007, "Rang De Basanti" was selected India's official entry to the Oscars for "Best Foreign Language Film", but it was not nominated.