8 blockbusters that Shah Rukh Khan rejected in his career
Shah Rukh Khan, or SRK as he is more fondly known, is undoubtedly one of the most popular actors in India. Since making his Bollywood debut with Deewana in 1992, which earned him a Filmfare Award, SRK has done well over 100 movies. However, did you know that he rejected some fine pieces that went on to become blockbusters?
'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai' (2000)
Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai—which established Hrithik Roshan in Bollywood—was first offered to SRK. It was Hrithik who suggested to his father, director Rakesh Roshan, to opt for a fresh face since he had done several movies with SRK. The film was released in 2000 with Hrithik as the star and the rest is history. The same year, SRK appeared in Josh and Mohabbatein.
'Lagaan' (2001)
A year later, Shah Rukh rejected another landmark film that bagged an Oscar nomination: Lagaan. Director Ashutosh Gowariker had first asked SRK to play the lead, Bhuvan, which eventually went to Aamir Khan. The role catapulted Aamir to new heights of success. Notably, Aamir was also not impressed with the Lagaan script initially, and had called it a "bizarre thought and a strange story."
'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.' (2003)
The 2003 film Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. was stellar; it's hilarious, sends a strong message, and the whole cast was top-notch. But, imagine SRK playing the lead role of Munnabhai! SRK was producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra's first choice, and Sanjay Dutt was meant to play Circuit. However, Shah Rukh rejected the film due to his poor health and the lead role went to Dutt.
'Rang De Basanti' (2006)
Rang De Basanti remains among Bollywood's most memorable blockbusters. The film starred Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, Kunal Kapoor, and Soha Ali Khan. But did you know that SRK was first offered the role of Indian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Ajay Singh Rathod—eventually played by Madhavan? SRK rejected the role as he did not want to play second fiddle to Aamir.
'Jodhaa Akbar' (2008)
Director and writer Ashutosh Gowariker wanted to work with SRK again despite their debacle, Swades (2004). So, Gowariker offered him the lead role of Mughal ruler Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar. However, SRK refused to play the role as he was not comfortable with the shooting locations. The actor also wanted to spend time with his family. The role later went to Hrithik.
'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008)
Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire won eight Academy Awards and created history in the world of cinema. Anil Kapoor, who played the role of quiz master Prem Kumar, can thank SRK for the accolades he received. That role was first offered to SRK. Apparently, when Boyle visited SRK's residence Mannat to discuss the movie, the actor did not meet him.
'3 Idiots' (2009)
In 2016, SRK called himself the "fourth Idiot" for rejecting Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots. The lead role of Rancho was initially offered to SRK, who had issues with filming dates. The role went to Aamir later. In 2009, Shah Rukh appeared in two movies: Billu—produced by him—and Luck By Chance. But he did not have sizable roles in either film.
'Robot' (2010)
Well, well, this is a surprise entry, but it is a fact. SRK had walked out of Robot because he had suggested some changes to the script, which were rejected by director S Shankar. Shankar also wanted to do the film's Computer Graphics (CG) through Hollywood's Stan Winston studios, but SRK wanted Red Chillies VFX to do it.
