9 Bollywood stars who rejected superhit films

Bollywood's past is full of "what if" situations, when actors rejected roles that became blockbusters and most times set up the careers of the actors who took on the role instead. These choices, made out of timing, creative disputes, or image issues, have set up the landscape of the industry. Here's a lists 10 Bollywood actors and the super hit movies they rejected, telling the story behind these epic casting changes.

Shah Rukh Khan was first approached to play the central role of Rancho in the much-loved coming-of-age comedy-drama ‘3 Idiots.’ But owing to unforeseen injuries, he had to turn down the role. The Rajkumar Hirani-directed film tells the story of three engineering students defying the education system. Aamir Khan went on to play the role, turning it into one of his most memorable performances and a huge box office hit.

Kareena Kapoor Khan was the first choice for Deepika Padukone’s role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.’ The film is a passionate love story set against warring clans. Kareena declined due to scheduling conflicts, and Deepika’s portrayal of Leela became a career-defining role, earning her widespread acclaim and cementing her status as a leading actress.

Saif Ali Khan was first in line to play the lead role in ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge,’ the classic romance between Raj and Simran. Saif passed on the role, and Shah Rukh Khan took it over, becoming the ultimate romantic hero of Bollywood. The film, directed by Aditya Chopra, is one of the most revered in Indian cinematic history.

Kajol was approached for the role of Zaara in Yash Chopra's 'Veer Zaara,’ an epic romance between a Pakistani woman and an Indian man. Kajol refused, and Preity Zinta was offered the role. Preity's acting with Shah Rukh Khan was well-received, and the film went on to become a classic love tale, recalled for its emotional richness and border-crossing romance.

Akshay Kumar was offered the lead role in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,’ the biopic of all-time great Milkha Singh. He declined, and Farhan Akhtar took up the challenge, giving a performance of his life. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film was a critical and commercial success, receiving awards for its narration and performances.

Salman Khan was originally offered the role of hockey coach Kabir Khan in ‘Chak De India.’ He turned it down on grounds of image and compensation. Shah Rukh Khan then played the role, and the film emerged as a cult sports drama, which won accolades for its motivational storyline and acting, and is among Shah Rukh's finest performances.

Katrina Kaif was in the running for the lead role opposite Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,’ a friendship and romance tale set against a Himalayan trek. She declined, and Deepika Padukone played Naina. Deepika and Ranbir's on-screen chemistry became legendary, and the film was an enormous box office success.

Salman Khan was allegedly approached for the role of Baazigar's lead, but he refused. Shah Rukh Khan got the role, playing a mix of an anti-hero, and gave his career's best performance. The Abbas-Mustan-directed movie turned into a blockbuster and marked the emergence of Shah Rukh as a multifaceted performer.

Juhi Chawla was approached for Nisha's role in Yash Chopra's ‘Dil To Pagal Hai.’ She supposedly declined the offer, and Karisma Kapoor was signed. Karisma won a National Award for her performance, and the film went on to become a romance classic, cherished for its dance and music sequences.