Director Abhinav Kashyap recently revealed that Ranbir Kapoor wanted his then-girlfriend, Katrina Kaif, to be cast opposite him in the 2013 film "Besharam". However, Kashyap wanted a "Punjabi from Delhi" for the role. Ultimately, Pallavi Sharda, an Australian actress of Indian descent, was cast as the female lead, Tara Sharma.

Kashyap, known for directing "Dabangg" and "Besharam," shared in an interview with Bollywood Thikana that Kapoor repeatedly requested him to consider Kaif for the role. However, Kashyap was not in favor of casting Kaif because he wanted someone with an authentic Punjabi accent. He felt that Kaif, who had primarily played NRI or foreign characters due to her Hindi-speaking limitations, would not fit the role.

Kashyap also revealed that several other actresses, including Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Swara Bhasker, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Parineeti Chopra, had auditioned for the role. He initially wanted to cast Sinha, with whom he had worked in "Dabangg," but Kapoor was reportedly uncomfortable with her. The director did not disclose the reason for Kapoor's discomfort, stating that Kapoor would need to be asked directly.

According to reports, Katrina Kaif even approached Kashyap to inquire if he had any issues with her. Kashyap clarified that he had no problems with her and explained that he would consider her first if he had a script requiring an NRI character.

"Besharam" featured Ranbir Kapoor as Babli, a car thief who falls in love with Tara Sharma (Pallavi Sharda). The film also starred Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir's parents, as Inspector Chulbul Chautala and Head Constable Bulbul Chautala, respectively. The film received largely negative reviews upon its release.

Some reports suggested that there was tension on the set between Ranbir Kapoor and Pallavi Sharda, possibly due to Kapoor's initial preference for Katrina Kaif. It was also rumored that Kashyap and Sharda were in a relationship, which he denied but affirmed that they were close friends.

Pallavi Sharda's performance in "Besharam" was considered a breakthrough, although the film itself did not fare well. Sharda went on to star in other Bollywood films, including "Hawaizaada" and "Begum Jaan," and also appeared in the Academy Award-nominated film "Lion".