Several Bollywood blockbusters could have looked very different if the original casting plans had worked out. Aamir Khan as Rancho in 3 Idiots, Sanjay Dutt as Munna Bhai and Shah Rukh Khan as Ajay Sharma in Baazigar. Today, these casting choices feel inseparable from the films themselves.
But none of these combinations was the first choice of the directors of the movies.
Sometimes, an actor's injury or scheduling conflict changed the plan. In other cases, a star simply did not connect with the script. The films went on to succeed with someone else, leaving behind some unforgettable versions.
Bollywood Blockbusters That Almost Had A Different Hero
1. Munna Bhai MBBS
Sanjay Dutt’s lovable gangster in Munna Bhai MBBS became one of the most popular comic characters. However, director Rajkumar Hirani initially planned the movie with Shah Rukh Khan.
During an interview with Hindustan Times, actor Makarand Deshpande, who was initially approached for Circuit, recalled that Shah Rukh was supposed to star in the film but could not do it because of a shoulder injury.
Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who produced the 2003 film, also confirmed that Shah Rukh was offered the role but eventually had to withdraw because Shah Rukh’s recovery timeline was uncertain.
Chopra explained the casting to Hindustan Times: “I told him, 'You go, take six months, one year, whatever. But when you come back, my film is the first one you're doing. Due to complications, he didn't do the film. So I said Sanjay Dutt is the right choice for this.”
2. 3 Idiots
Before Aamir Khan became popular as Rancho, Shah Rukh Khan was considered for the lead in Rajkumar Hirani’s college comedy-drama.
Shah Rukh Khan was eventually replaced in the casting because of scheduling problems and a shoulder injury. Earlier, Shah Rukh Khan missed out on Munna Bhai MBBS for the same reason.
Shah Rukh Khan explained in a 2023 interview that a delayed film and his recovery affected the plans, allowing Hirani to proceed with another actor. Aamir eventually led the film alongside R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
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3. Baazigar
One of the most defining roles of Shah Rukh Khan’s was in Baazigar. The movie helped him establish him as an anti-hero. However, Abbas-Mustan's 1993 thriller was not originally designed around him.
As reported by The Indian Express, the filmmaker duo revealed that Anil Kapoor was their first choice for the lead. Kapoor declined because the story did not appeal to him. The makers then approached other actors before Shah Rukh agreed to play the revenge-driven protagonist.
Later, screenwriter Robin Bhatt also mentioned that Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan had turned down the role. The revenge-driven protagonist, who was not a conventional Hindi-film hero, proved difficult to cast.
Salman subsequently explained that he had found the character too negative and suggested adding a mother figure to the story. The Indian Express reported that he said: “I liked Baazigar, but I found the character too negative.”
The filmmakers initially dismissed the suggestion but eventually incorporated the mother angle, played by Rakhee. Shah Rukh went on to star opposite Kajol and Shilpa Shetty in the thriller.
4. Chak De India
The famous Indian hockey coach disgraced with allegations of cheating, Kabir Khan from Chak De India, was offered to Salman Khan before Shah Rukh Khan landed the role.
During the promotions of Sultan, Salman Khan revealed the reason for turning down the film. He explained that he was more associated with mainstream commercial entertainers rather than a complex sports drama. He also had reservations about the movie’s climax.
“I had an issue with the climax of the film,” Salman said in an interview with CNN-IBN. He recalled that producer Aditya Chopra had assured him the film would become a big hit, but Salman struggled to see how the ending would work.
Salman also joked that audiences would have expected him to wear a wig and win the match for India.
5. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Instead of Farhan Akhtar, the lead role in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was offered to Akshay Kumar. But the latter chose Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobara.
In a Hindustan Times event, Akshay Kumar acknowledged the decision to turn down the film. “Actually, I regret not doing that film. It was Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. I was offered that film, but I opted for Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobara,” he said.
He also admitted feeling guilty about not watching the film. Farhan's performance earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, while the film received critical and commercial success.
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The casting stories behind these blockbusters show how different Bollywood classics might have looked with other leading men. Which of these alternate casting choices would you most like to see?
FAQs
Q1. Which Bollywood movies were offered to Shah Rukh Khan but he rejected?
A1. Shah Rukh Khan was considered for Munna Bhai MBBS and 3 Idiots before the roles went to other actors.
Q2. Who was the first choice for Baazigar?
A2. Anil Kapoor was reportedly the filmmakers’ first choice before Shah Rukh Khan played the lead.
Q3. Which actor rejected Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?
A3. Akshay Kumar turned down the film and later admitted that he regretted the decision.