One man’s loss is another man’s gain. This is the truth of life and Bollywood as well! You’d be surprised to know that some of the most iconic Bollywood characters that defined the career path for certain actors, were originally meant for someone else. Wait, are we saying that if Aamir Khan had not rejected Darr, we wouldn’t have seen King Khan deliver his legendary K-k-k-k-k-Kiran dialogue? Yes, that’s exactly what we mean!
Well, their refusal became a milestone for others, and that ultimately blessed us with some super-hit movies, iconic dialogues, and unforgettable characters. Aamir Khan as obsessive stalker Rahul Mehra in Darr? Shah Rukh Khan as Ranchoddas Shamaldas Chanchad in 3 Idiots? Kareena Kapoor Khan as Leela in Ram-Leela? You won’t believe which stars were originally cast for these iconic characters. Read on
Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Roles
Here’s are some of the characters that reached cult status and were almost played by some other actors.
Aamir Khan – Darr (1993)
We are already aware of the love-hate relationship between Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. And now, you are also aware that it was Aamir who recommended SRK for Darr as he was not comfortable playing a negative role. We wonder if he still regrets missing out on this one (we hope not)!
Shah Rukh Khan – 3 Idiots (2009)
Koffee with Karan is infamous for providing inconsequential details of the industry but once in a blue moon, we find something interesting too! Like how SRK confessed to being the ‘4th idiot’ for refusing the movie in KWK season 5.
Hrithik Roshan – Swades (1993)
Swades arguably remains one of the best performances by SRK to date but it could have been one of the best roles for Hritik Roshan. However, our very own first Indian superhero refused the movie after reading the script.
Kareena Kapoor Khan – Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
“I confess that I’m mad. There have been times when I’ve signed a film and then felt it was wrong. Yes, I was supposed to do Ram-Leela but I changed my mind (sic),” said Kareena Kapoor Khan in an interview once for turning down Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. So after bebo changed her mind, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were cast in the movie. We say it was a good call, Bebo! ‘Coz the movie gave us a wonderful jodi and we are bonkers for #DeepVeer.
Armaan Kohli – Deewana (1992)
Bigg Boss fame Armaan Kohli walked out from the sets of Deewana after a few days into the shoot. While we cannot call Deewana a superhit, it certainly marks one of the most iconic Bollywood movies of all time. Why not? It gave us our very own king of romance in Bollywood – SRK.
Shah Rukh Khan – Lagaan (2001)
So, this one is a bit complicated. Ashutosh Gowariker’s first choice for the movie was Aamir Khan. However, the perfectionist rejected the project. Hence, Gowariker approached SRK (his second choice), but he refused the project as well! Aamir was approached once again and thankfully he agreed.
Kangana Ranaut – The Dirty Picture (2011)
Kangana Ranaut chose Tanu Weds Manu over The Dirty Picture and we are not complaining. No one can play Silk Smitha better than Vidya Balan. Don’t get us wrong, we mean to say Kangana was all that Tanu could have asked for. Let’s just say, it was a win-win!
Salman Khan – Chak De! India (2007)
No offense but “sattar minute hai tumhare paas…” is the dialogue that no one but only SRK can ace. And, we thank Salman Khan for realising that the serious and intense character of Kabir Khan was not really his genre at the time.
When I was offered Chak De, my image was totally different…” the actor explained, “That was not my genre at that point of time. It was a more serious kind of film and I was doing more of a commercial kind of cinema which I am still doing(sic).” As a result? Salman said ‘pass’.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Raja Hindustani (1996)
Did you know that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan could have made her Bollywood debut with Raja Hindustani had she not refused the role? After being crowned Miss World in 1994, Aishwarya was getting plenty of offers and this movie was one of them. She refused the role and that led to Karisma Kapoor’s overnight success as one of the most prominent artists in Bollywood.
Saif Ali Khan – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Who in the world would have thought that Saif Ali Khan was the first choice for DDLJ? We cannot deny that the nawab of Bollywood could have suited the role of Raj easily. But SRK’s dimpled smile while playing ukulele and calling Kajol Senorita? That’s priceless and so DDLJ is and will always belong to the baadshah of romance and Kajol aka Raj and Simran.
What do you think would have happened if the actors who were originally approached for these roles had not turned them down? Well, we like to believe that whatever happens, happens for the best and we hope these stars believe that too!
Featured Image: Instagram
