Overview

• Siddharth Nigam’s mother says he waited a year after his Azaad audition before producers cast Aaman Devgan, Ajay Devgn’s nephew, in the lead role.
• The Abhishek Kapoor–directed period action drama opened January 17, attracted mixed to negative reviews and earned just ₹8 crore worldwide.
• Despite a star-studded ensemble featuring Ajay Devgn, Diana Penty and debutants Devgan and Rasha Thadani, Azaad failed to resonate with audiences.
• Siddharth Nigam, who declines to blame anyone for the switch, is now earning acclaim for his role in the JioHotstar musical series Hai Junoon!
• The revelation has reignited scrutiny over nepotism and the challenges non–industry actors face in Bollywood casting decisions.