10 Blockbuster Movies Rejected by Shah Rukh Khan- Moviebuzzs
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” has been ruling the hearts of moviegoers for decades with iconic performances in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Chak De! India. But did you know that SRK has also passed on some big films that went on to become massive hits? Yep, even the biggest stars say no sometimes! Here’s a look at 10 blockbuster movies that Shah Rukh Khan turned down – and how things might have been if he had said yes!
1. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)
Directed by: Rajkumar Hirani
Who got the role: Sanjay Dutt
Believe it or not, Shah Rukh was the first choice for Munna Bhai, the iconic role of a lovable gangster who dreams of becoming a doctor. But due to a back injury, SRK had to let it go. Sanjay Dutt stepped in, and the film became a cultural phenomenon. It’s hard to imagine anyone else as Munna Bhai now, but just think how different it would have been with Shah Rukh’s unique charm!
2. Lagaan (2001)
Directed by: Ashutosh Gowariker
Who got the role: Aamir Khan
Lagaan is one of Bollywood’s most celebrated films, even earning an Oscar nomination! Shah Rukh was approached to play Bhuvan, the village leader who rallies his people to play cricket against the British. However, he didn’t connect with the project at the time, and Aamir Khan eventually took on the role. The rest, as they say, is history. Imagine if SRK had been leading the villagers in that final cricket match!
3. 3 Idiots (2009)
Directed by: Rajkumar Hirani
Who got the role: Aamir Khan
Yes, Shah Rukh was also the original choice to play Rancho in 3 Idiots! He couldn’t do it due to a packed schedule, and Aamir Khan once again stepped in to take the role. The film went on to become one of the biggest hits of Indian cinema, breaking box office records and becoming a beloved classic about the pressures of academic life. It’s fun to think how SRK would have brought his own spin to this character!
4. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Directed by: Ashutosh Gowariker
Who got the role: Hrithik Roshan
The role of the powerful Mughal emperor Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan, but due to other commitments, he couldn’t take it on. Hrithik Roshan ended up playing the part, and his performance was widely appreciated. This film was a visual treat and a box office success, and it’s fascinating to imagine how Shah Rukh would have portrayed the mighty emperor.
5. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Directed by: Danny Boyle
Who got the role: Anil Kapoor
Slumdog Millionaire, which went on to win several Academy Awards, had a minor but important role of a game show host, originally offered to Shah Rukh. SRK turned it down because he felt the role wasn’t big enough or meaty enough for him. Anil Kapoor eventually took the part, and the film became a global sensation. Although SRK passed on this, he might have been part of a film that made waves worldwide!
6. Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
Directed by: Kabir Khan
Who got the role: Salman Khan
This one was big! Shah Rukh was the first choice for Ek Tha Tiger, but for reasons never fully disclosed, he didn’t take it up. Salman Khan ended up playing Tiger, and the film became a massive hit, creating an entire franchise. It marked a turning point in Salman’s career, boosting his action-hero image. It’s fun to imagine SRK in a full-blown spy thriller – maybe someday?
7. Robot (2010)
Directed by: S. Shankar
Who got the role: Rajinikanth
Shah Rukh was offered Robot, the sci-fi mega-hit where the lead plays both a scientist and a super-powered robot. However, SRK and director Shankar reportedly had creative differences, and he decided not to pursue the role. Rajinikanth eventually played it, and the film became a box-office sensation in India. While Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life presence was a perfect fit, it’s interesting to think about how Shah Rukh would have handled playing a robot!
8. Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000)
Directed by: Rakesh Roshan
Who got the role: Hrithik Roshan
Before launching his son Hrithik Roshan as a debut actor, Rakesh Roshan reportedly approached Shah Rukh Khan for Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. However, SRK decided to pass on the opportunity, which opened the door for Hrithik’s debut. The film became a blockbuster hit and marked the beginning of Hrithik’s hugely successful career. Could this have been another Shah Rukh super-hit if he’d said yes?
9. Padmaavat (2018)
Directed by: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Who got the role: Shahid Kapoor
Shah Rukh was considered for the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh, the noble king in Padmaavat. However, the role was seen as slightly overshadowed by the characters of Ranveer Singh’s Alauddin Khilji and Deepika Padukone’s Rani Padmavati, and SRK chose not to take it on. Shahid Kapoor eventually played the part, and the film went on to become one of the biggest box-office successes of that year.
10. Kabir Singh (2019)
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Who got the role: Shahid Kapoor
Shah Rukh Khan was reportedly approached for Kabir Singh, the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit Arjun Reddy. However, SRK turned down the role, and Shahid Kapoor stepped in, delivering one of the most talked-about performances of his career. While the film received mixed reviews due to its controversial themes, it was a major box office success, and Shahid earned critical acclaim.
Final Thoughts:
It’s always interesting to think about how different some of these blockbuster films could have been if Shah Rukh Khan had taken on these roles. But at the same time, SRK has built a career out of choosing roles that resonate with his fans, and those choices have made him one of the most beloved actors in the world. Whether he’s playing a romantic hero, a brooding anti-hero, or something completely out-of-the-box, Shah Rukh continues to entertain and surprise us. And who knows – maybe the next blockbuster we can’t imagine without him is just around the corner!
