Netflix The Great Indian Kapil Show has kicked out with its inaugural episode featuring the Kapoors: Ranbir Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. Kapil Sharma returned with his original cast, alongside some fresh faces, including the much-awaited reunion with Sunil Grover. Despite the excitement surrounding the show’s premiere, fans were left questioning the absence of Alia Bhatt.

Initially, the intention of the show’s makers was to include the entire Kapoor family, comprising Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Neetu Kapoor, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. Allegedly, Kapil Sharma and the cast were willing to adjust their schedules to accommodate Alia Bhatt’s availability for a seamless shoot.

However, according to a report by TimesNow, it appears that Alia Bhatt declined the invitation to participate. Additionally, a close friend of the Kapoor family mentioned in the report speculated that Netflix might have faced budget constraints in securing Alia Bhatt’s appearance.

According to the report, The Great Indian Kapil Show allots a substantial budget weekly for its celebrity guests. However, it was apparently inadequate to accommodate both Alia and Ranbir Kapoor, as per TimesNow. This financial constraint is cited as the reason for Alia Bhatt’s purported absence from the episode featuring Ranbir, Neetu, and Riddhima.

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Furthermore, unlike previous instances where stars appeared on the show to promote their movies without charge, this time they are reportedly compensated for their episodes. This shift in approach may also have contributed to the financial considerations surrounding Alia Bhatt’s potential involvement in the show.

As fans eagerly awaited Alia Bhatt appearance alongside the Kapoors, her absence sparked curiosity and speculation within the audience. Despite the setback, the show’s premiere featuring the Kapoor family was met with enthusiasm, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.