‘Heer Ranjha’ Casting: Rohit Saraf To Play Ranjha In ‘Laila Majnu’ Director Sajid Ali’s Next (EXCLUSIVE)

Eight years after “Laila Majnu,” Imtiaz Ali and Ektaa Kapoor are reuniting for another sweeping romantic tale. On Valentine’s Day, the duo announced “Heer Ranjha” with a concept teaser, sparking excitement among audiences eager for a love story that transcends time. The announcement drew further attention as the film will be directed by Sajid Ali, who helmed “Laila Majnu,” now widely regarded as a cult romantic drama.

While the cast has not been officially announced, Variety India has exclusively learned that Rohit Saraf is locked to play Ranjha. The 29-year-old actor, who has impressed audiences with performances in projects such as “Ishq Vishk Rebound,” “Mismatched,” and “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” has landed what is expected to be his most intense and challenging leading role to date. Saraf will essay the role of Ranjha, while a newcomer is set to be launched as Heer. Sources say the actress has already been finalized, though her identity is being kept under wraps for now.

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“Heer Ranjha” is based on the classic Punjabi folk tragedy, most famously immortalized as an epic poem by Waris Shah in 1766. The story chronicles an intense love affair marked by familial opposition, forced separation, and an inevitable tragic ending. Imtiaz Ali, celebrated for cult Bollywood romances such as “Jab We Met,” “Rockstar,” and “Tamasha,” has written the film, reimagining the legendary tale for contemporary audiences. With Ali’s signature poetic sensibility and Sajid Ali’s direction, the film is poised to deliver an emotionally immersive cinematic experience.

The story of Heer and Ranjha has been adapted multiple times over the decades, with Chetan Anand’s 1970 film starring Raaj Kumar and Priya Rajvansh considered one of the most acclaimed versions, praised for its lyrical dialogue and memorable music. Other notable adaptations include the 1992 film starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, directed by Harmesh Malhotra. The romance has also inspired multiple Punjabi-language films.

“Laila Majnu” is regarded as one of the finest romantic sagas of the past decade, with lead actors Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary going on to build formidable careers in Hindi cinema. For Saraf, already established as a romantic boy-next-door figure thanks to the Netflix hit “Mismatched,” “Heer Ranjha” is expected to be a major opportunity to expand his range and scale new heights.

On the work front, Saraf will next be seen in the fourth and final season of “Mismatched,” followed by Nikkhil Advani’s historical web series “The Revolutionaries."