Bollywood Stars Who Turned Down Pivotal Roles In A Movie That Went On To Become A Hit

The entertainment industry has witnessed Bollywood stars who refuse the invitation to participate in a movie which then became a huge success.

From Nayanthara to Saif Ali Khan, here are Bollywood stars who turned down iconic roles and gave a chance for others to appear on the silver screen.

Nayanthara & film Baahubali

The 2015 epic movie Baahubali gained a huge success thanks to its impressive storytelling and celebrated cast.

Initially, director S S Rajamouli decided to choose Nayanthara for Devasena character. However, the 34-year-old actress didn’t have enough time for this role on account of her hectic schedule. Then, Rajamouli offered it to actress Anushka Shetty.

Sridevi & film Baahubali

Before picking up Ramya Krishnan for the role of Sivagami, director S S Rajamouli had Late Sridevi in mind first. But, she turned down his it which then became a really famous role.

The reason for her refusal is that the remuneration is quite high for filmmakers to afford. And, this character of a strong matriarch finally went to actress Ramya.

Happily, she provided such a good performance to impress audiences and made her one of the most popular stars.

Hrithik Roshan & film Baahubali

At first, Rajamouli intended to produce his movie in Hindi language and then made it into many other regional languages. When the 46-year-old director had this plan, he made up his mind to drop Hrithik Roshan a line to offer him Baahubali’s titular role.

Nonetheless, the movie went into another direction when Hrithik didn’t show enough interest in the film in general and in that titular role in particular. As a result, Baahubali was made in the Telugu language with the participation of Prabhas who played the pivotal role.

Dilip Kumar & film Lawrence of Arabia

Lawrence of Arabia made a record to be proudly nominated at Oscars’ 10 categories and particularly the David Lean directorial won 7 of them. And, the character Sherif Ali acted by actor Omar Sharif made a considerable contribution to help this film become a hit.

But, not many know that Omar is not David Lean’s first choice for this role and actor Dilip Kumar was the first one to be offered.

Shatrughan Sinha & film Sholay

Audiences who are fans of the 1975 movie Sholay couldn’t take their eyes away from the brilliant performance delivered by superstar Amitabh Bachchan. He was too suitable for the role that no one could play character Jai better than him. However, do you know that he was not the first actor cast for this role in the movie?

Instead, actor Shatrughan Sinha was the one to receive an invitation for playing Jai. But, Dharmendra said positive things about Amitabh Bachchan who helped Sholay break a record later.

Kareena Kapoor Khan & film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and more

Probably, Kareena Kapoor Khan is one of the Bollywood actresses who turned down a lot of films.

Because of her busy schedule, accompanied by a lack of interest of a number of movies, she said no to several movies such as Vikas Bahl directorial Queen, Rohit Shetty directorial Chennai Express, Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial Black, Madhur Bhandarkar directorial Fashion, Nikkhil Advani directorial Kal Ho Na Ho, Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, and another Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Aamir Khan & film Darr

It’s hard to believe that the famous role in the 1003 movie Darr first went to Aamir Khan who turned it.

Prior to casting Shah Rukh Khan for the role of one obsessed lover, Aamir Khan was the first actor to come to mind of director Yash Chopra. But, if the 54-year-old actor didn’t turn down, we couldn’t see one of the Shah Rukh Khan’s best performances up to now.

Saif Ali Khan & film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

Shah Rukh Khan has become Bollywood’s romantic hero when he did exceedingly well in the 1995 movie Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Initially, Saif Ali Khan was offered to play the character Raj Malhotra; however, he turned down it which then acted by Shah Rukh Khan.

It seemed that this role was born for him because you could not imagine any other than Shah Rukh to play it.