Is it possible for you to imagine superstar Shah Rukh Khan as Rancho in 3 Idiots? You can’t? Okay, what about Deepika Padukone as the lead in Dhoom 3? No? Believe it or not, both of these actors were the first choices for these movies. Most actors try to be selective while picking films but sometimes, they end up losing a chance to be a part of a hit movie. Many Bollywood actors have turned down what went on to become iconic characters in blockbuster movies. 

Here’s a list of super-hit films that would have looked very different if these actors took on the roles :

Saif Ali Khan – Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge

This might shock you, considering we can’t imagine anyone else playing the iconic character Raj Malhotra but Shah Rukh Khan. However, as it turns out, Saif Ali Khan was first approached for the role. There were even rumours about how Aditya Chopra wished to cast none other than Hollywood star Tom Cruise in the role but was advised to stick to an Indian face by Yash Chopra.

Kareena Kapoor Khan – Kal Ho Na Ho

Apart from Ram-Leela, Kareena also rejected Karan Johar’s Kal Ho Na Ho. As per reports, she had demanded a huge sum to play the role of Naina. The role ultimately went to Preity Zinta. Kareena also turned down the 2013 release Queen. Kareena told TOI in an interview, “I feel honoured and glad to give work to other people. I hope they (actresses) become stars as I have rejected big films.”

Shah Rukh Khan – 3 Idiots

Can you imagine Shah Rukh Khan saying ‘All Izz Well’? Did you know Rancho’s character in 3 Idiots was first offered to him. Rajkumar Hirani wanted King Khan to lead the cast, but eventually, Aamir Khan was approached for the role. A few years after the film, SRK labelled himself as the ‘fourth idiot’ for not taking the role. However, the superstar has just announced his first film with Hirani, titled ‘Dunki’.

Kangana Ranaut – The Dirty Picture

Kangana Ranaut chose Tanu Weds Manu over The Dirty Picture. She revealed in an interview that people called her ‘stupid’ for losing out on the film. The role went to Vidya Balan and the film was super successful one, with the actress winning a National Award for her performance.

Twinkle Khanna – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Karan Johar always wanted his best friend to play Tina, which also happens to be Twinkle’s nickname. But Miss Funnybones rejected the film because she thought the script was “sh*t”! In an interview, Akshay Kumar revealed, “She still tells Rani, “Teri zindagi maine banayi (I made your life)”.

Kajol – Veer Zaara

Preity Zinta aced the character of Zaara and we cannot imagine anyone else playing the character. However, as per the reports, she wasn’t the first choice for the film and it was Kajol. Would Kajol have been a better Zaara? Let’s not even go there because Preity was amazing. 

Akshay Kumar – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Farhan Akhtar did an outstanding job as Milkha Singh. However, he was not the first pick. Instead, it was Akshay Kumar. He rejected the offer because he was busy with Kambakkht Ishq and Tees Maar Khan. 

Salman Khan – Chak De! India

“Sattar minute…” Can you imagine Salman Khan saying this iconic dialogue? In an interview, Salman Khan said, “When I was offered Chak De, my image was totally different. That was not my genre at that point in 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.”

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Raja Hindustani

In 1996, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the first choice to play the lead in Raja Hindustani. However, she turned down the offer as she wanted to concentrate on her education. Aishwarya was later crowned Miss World and entered the world of films. 

 (Featured Image Credits: Instagram)