India, Sept. 2 -- Hanuman Ansh has become one of the surprise success stories of 2026, but the story behind its lead actor's casting is almost as intriguing as the film itself. Shobhinaw Satyaa, who plays Neem Karoli Baba in Vishal Chaturvedi's spiritual drama, was not originally supposed to be the film's lead. In fact, he was working behind the camera as the second assistant director when an unexpected turn of events changed everything.

The actor originally chosen to play Neem Karoli Baba reportedly fell severely ill, leaving the makers looking for another actor. That was when Shobhinaw, who was already part of the film's crew and was handling props and other shoot-related responsibilities, was considered for the central role. Director ...