7 Bollywood Celebrities Who Turned Down Movies That Went On To Become Blockbusters

Could you ever imagine Akshay Kumar as Milkha Singh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag? Or maybe, Twinkle Khanna as Tina in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai? If you’re puzzled as to where we’re getting, don’t be alarmed! Many times, actors and actresses turn down roles due to various reasons. While some of these celebrities have expressed regret over not choosing the film, others have been happy with the final choices for their films. Here is a list of super-hit films that might have turned out completely differently had the original choice been chosen:

1. Saif Ali Khan As Raj In Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Imagine the iconic pairing of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol being Saif Ali Khan and Kajol? Crazy, right? Well, the role was initially offered to the Chote Nawab himself but the actor turned it down due to unknown reasons. Shah Rukh Khan was then chosen to play the role of Raj Malhotra and he won many hearts with his performance. The film went on to become a blockbuster and is now a cult classic.

2. Shah Rukh Khan As Rancho In 3 Idiots

Could you ever have imagined the beloved 3 Idiots character, Rancho being played by anybody besides Aamir Khan? Which other 44-year-old men could pull off a college student’s character with such aplomb? Well, the director of the film, Rajkummar Hirani initially felt that the Badshah himself suited the role. However, the actor turned down the opportunity. After the film hit box office records and won critical acclaim, many people joked that Shah Rukh Khan was the 4th idiot for not picking the film.

3. Kareena Kapoor As Leela In Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela

The sizzling chemistry between the real-life couple, Ranveer and Deepika was palpable in this Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed mega-film. Kareena has confessed of regretting turning down the offer in interviews in the past. But we’re sure, even she was impressed by the brilliant performances of Deepika and Ranveer.

4. Kangana Ranaut As Silk Smitha In The Dirty Picture

Vidya Balan was a sight to behold in this biopic of the famed actress, Silk Smitha. The actress delivered a much-appreciated performance in the film and was praised for her skills. Initially, the role was offered to Kangana Ranaut, but the actress turned it down as she had bagged a role in the film Tanu Weds Manu. In the end, both films did spectacularly at the box office so we doubt Kangana has any regrets.

5. Twinkle Khanna As Tina In Kuch Kuch Hota Hain

Rani Mukherjee played everyone’s teenage crush in this classic Karan Johar film about young love, heartbreak, and college life. Twinkle Khanna, who happened to be Karan Johar’s close friend was the first choice for the role but she did not like the script. The film shot Rani Mukherjee to overnight stardom and Twinkle has often joked about how she deserves credit for it.

6. Hrithik Roshan As Akash In Dil Chahta Hai

Dil Chahta Hai was a film built for young urban millennials. This feel-good buddy film explores the elements of friendship, betrayals, lost love, regret, and many more. It was directed by Farhan Akhtar and was his first film as a director. Abhishek Bachchan was also offered a role in the film but both these actors opted out and Aamir Khan and Akshaye Khanna starred with Saif Ali Khan instead. This worked out as the three actors shared a warm sense of camaraderie in the film.

7. Akshay Kumar As Milkha Singh In Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Akshay Kumar was first approached to play the role of Milkha Singh in the biopic but he opted out due to scheduling conflicts. The actor chose to work on the films, Tees Maar Khan and Kambakkht Ishq instead. Farhan won praise for his powerful performance and we cannot imagine anybody besides him channeling the role so well.

While we’re sure a lot of these actors might regret turning down some of these roles, most of them have gone on to make successful films or partake in successful ventures on their own part. Many actors and actresses are open about rejecting films that went to become blockbusters as they have their own reasons for not picking the films. Which of the names on this list surprised you? Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Niharika NayakBA (Media & Communication)

 

Niharika has a passion for all things art, music, and travel and has over 4 years of experience in writing for social media. During her spare time, she likes experimenting in the kitchen, playing video games, and hanging out with stray animals. She has a bachelor's degree in media and communication from the Manipal Institute of Communication and aspires to...more