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SRK as Munna Bhai? Katrina as Meenamma? Bollywood stars who said no to roles
Updated On: 08 September, 2023 08:28 PM IST | Tuhina Upadhyay
Throughout the years, there have been instances where established and upcoming stars were presented with roles that went on to become iconic, but they opted to turn them down for various reasons. These instances of `what could have been` provide fascinating insights.
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Throughout the years, there have been instances where established and upcoming stars were presented with roles that went on to become iconic, but they opted to turn them down for various reasons. These instances of `what could have been` provide fascinating insights.
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Saif Ali Khan as RajSaif Ali Khan was the original selection for the charismatic Raj in "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge." Imagine the Nawab of Pataudi as the London-bred lover wooing Simran in the fields of Punjab. It`s a tantalizing thought, but history favored Shah Rukh Khan for this unforgettable role.
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Shah Rukh Khan`s missed `Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.` opportunityImagine Shah Rukh Khan in the iconic role of Dr. Munna in `Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.` It could have been a reality if SRK had accepted the offer. However, destiny had other plans, and the role eventually went to Sanjay Dutt, resulting in a memorable performance.
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Deepika Padukone`s `Jab Tak Hai Jaan` refusalDeepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif seem to share a unique connection in Bollywood casting stories. Deepika turned down the role in `Jab Tak Hai Jaan,` which eventually went to Katrina. The chemistry between Katrina and Shah Rukh Khan added a special flavor to the film.
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Kareena Kapoor Khan as RaniKangana Ranaut`s stardom skyrocketed with her portrayal of `Queen.` Surprisingly, Kareena Kapoor Khan was the initial choice for the role. Given her brilliant performance as Geet in "Jab We Met," it`s intriguing to ponder how her rendition of Rani would have fared. Nevertheless, Kangana`s triumph in the role is undeniable.
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Katrina Kaif as MeenammaWhen the opportunity to star alongside Shah Rukh Khan arises, few would dare decline. Yet, Katrina Kaif did just that when she turned down `Chennai Express.` While opinions on the film may vary, there`s no denying its box office success. Katrina`s decision led Deepika Padukone to step into the role, a choice that proved to be a game-changer.
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Kajol as ZaaraThe SRK-Kajol duo has a special place in Bollywood fans` hearts. The thought of them reuniting as Veer and Zaara tantalized many. However, the role of Zaara eventually went to Preity Zinta, who delivered a commendable performance alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
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Kareena Kapoor Khan as LeelaKareena Kapoor Khan once prepared for the lead role in "Ram-Leela." However, she eventually stepped away, paving the way for Deepika Padukone`s mesmerizing portrayal. Deepika`s chemistry with Ranveer Singh added a magical dimension to the film.
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Kangana Ranaut as Silk SmithaKangana Ranaut, known for her daring choices, declined the opportunity to play the legendary Silk Smitha. Opting for "Tanu Weds Manu" instead, she later clinched a National Award. Nonetheless, one can`t help but wonder how Kangana would have interpreted this iconic character.
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Katrina Kaif and the `Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani` passDeepika Padukone`s portrayal of Naina in `Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani` struck a chord with audiences. Yet, Katrina Kaif had the chance to step into those shoes but declined the offer. It`s challenging to imagine anyone else capturing the essence of Naina as Deepika did.
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Kareena Kapoor Khan as NandiniIn the epic love saga `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,` Kareena Kapoor Khan was the initial choice for the role of Nandini. However, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan`s stellar performance made the character truly unforgettable. Kareena`s decision to decline the role left audiences pondering what might have been.
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Kareena Kapoor Khan`s `Kal Ho Naa Ho` passKareena Kapoor Khan, known for her impressive filmography, was initially considered for the role of Naina in `Kal Ho Naa Ho.` However, she decided not to take on the character, which ultimately went to Preity Zinta, who delivered a heartwarming portrayal.
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Salman Khan`s `Baazigar` refusalSalman Khan`s decision to turn down the role in `Baazigar` is yet another intriguing chapter in Bollywood`s casting chronicles. The film went on to become a significant milestone in Shah Rukh Khan`s career. Sometimes, even the biggest stars can miss out on game-changing roles.
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Shah Rukh Khan`s `Lagaan` refusalAamir Khan`s `Lagaan` remains a cinematic gem, earning international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. However, it`s challenging to imagine `Lagaan` without Aamir, especially if Shah Rukh Khan had taken on the lead role. The film`s unique blend of cricket and patriotism continues to capture hearts.
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Hrithik Roshan`s missed `Dil Chahta Hai` voyage One of Bollywood`s finest actors, Hrithik Roshan, passed on the role of Akash in the cult classic `Dil Chahta Hai.` Originally scripted with him in mind, the part eventually found its way to Aamir Khan. Hrithik`s choice to forgo this memorable role remains a mystery, especially when considering his filmography.
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Aishwarya Rai`s `Raja Hindustani` refusalAishwarya Rai, one of Bollywood`s most celebrated actresses, declined the role in `Raja Hindustani,` a film that went on to become a blockbuster. Her decision led to Karisma Kapoor stepping into the character, a choice that contributed significantly to her career
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Armaan Kohli`s `Deewana` denialArmaan Kohli, known for his stint in reality TV`s Bigg Boss, once had the chance to step into the shoes of the `King of Bollywood.` However, he declined the role in `Deewana,` which marked the debut of Shah Rukh Khan as the leading man.
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Salman Khan`s `Chak De! India` rejectionThe idea of Salman Khan as a coach in `Chak De! India` might seem intriguing, but it remained unexplored. Salman Khan chose not to take on the role, which later became one of Shah Rukh Khan`s most iconic performances. The film`s memorable `sattar minute` speech continues to resonate in the hearts of viewers.
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Akshay Kumar`s `Bhaag Milkha Bhaag` missAkshay Kumar`s refusal to play the titular role in `Bhaag Milkha Bhaag` remains a head-scratcher. His decision allowed Farhan Akhtar to shine in the inspiring biopic, but one can`t help but wonder what Akshay`s rendition would have brought to the table. This choice seems all the more baffling when considering some of his subsequent film selections.
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Shatrughan Sinha`s `Sholay` rejection"Sholay," one of Indian cinema`s greatest treasures, could have looked drastically different if Shatrughan Sinha had accepted the role of Jai. Instead, Amitabh Bachchan breathed life into the character, and the chemistry between Amitabh and Dharmendra became legendary.
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Dev Anand`s `Zanjeer` refusalIn 1973, `Zanjeer` stormed into cinemas and became the fourth highest-grossing film of the year. However, it might have taken a different path had Dev Anand not refused the role. The film remains a classic, with Amitabh Bachchan`s indelible mark on the character.
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High tidal waves in Mumbai delay Lalbaugcha Raja`s visarjan
The iconic Lalbaugcha Raja idol was shifted onto a raft on Sunday afternoon after delays since morning due to high tide and technical challenges, with final immersion, delayed by several hours, expected to take place around 11 pm, officials said.
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