Bollywood's Rejected Roles: Stars Who Passed on iconic Characters
Feb 10, 2025
CELEB LOOKS
Vaishali RathodBold Choice
Kangana Ranaut turned down Silk in 'The Dirty Picture' because she could not do the role as she felt it wasn't according to her set of values, a character for which Vidya Balan won a National Award later on.
Professional Decision
Kareena Kapoor rejected the role in 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai', which led to cold war with Ameesha Patel after the humongous success of the movie.
Lost Chance
Saif Ali Khan declined the cult role of Raj in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', which later became synonymous with the stardom of Shah Rukh Khan.
Lost Opportunity
Aishwarya Rai was also missing the role in 'Heroine' because she was pregnant, which later went to Kareena Kapoor.
The Regretful Choice
Shah Rukh Khan turned down the Rancho role in '3 Idiots', for which he later expressed regret.
Fateful decisions
Salman Khan declined the role that eventually went to SRK in 'Chak De! India ', that of Kabir Khan-a role that defined the film in its iconic legacy as the decision was to focus upon commercial cinema.
Missed Opportunity
Akshay Kumar declined the role in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' as the film's serious tone did not gel with his image, a role that went to become iconic for Farhan Akhtar.
Missed Opportunity
Twinkle Khanna declined Tina in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', a role she would later regret as the film became a classic.
Destiny's Turn
Hrithik Roshan turned down the role in 'Dil Chahta Hai', although it was written for him, a role Aamir Khan made iconic.
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