The film was planned as a trilogy in 2009. It was going to be produced by Danny Boyle. The first part would star John Abraham. This part would be the 1960's ( Ranbir Kapoor's role). The second part would star Aamir Khan. This would be the 1970's. The final part of the trilogy would star Shah Rukh Khan. This would be the 1980's. When Danny Boyle left the project, Anurag decided to scrap part 2 and 3.
1960's Bombay was recreated in Sri Lanka and the majority of the film has been shot there.
Karan Johar, who plays the antagonist in the movie, charged only 11 Rupee as his fee.
The opening trumpet music played in the beginning of the trailer is taken from Feroz Khan' s Qurbani's title music. That instrumental part was used in the title sequence of Qurbani.
When Anurag wrote the script in 2006 he wanted Saif Ali Khan. He then tried to rope in Aamir Khan. He finally decided on Ranveer Singh but was not able to get 60 crores from his producers.