Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Akshay Kumar's 'Hera Pheri 3', Irrfan Khan's 'Life of Pi', Arjun Kapoor's 'Half Girlfriend': Movies Varun Dhawan missed being a part of

etimes.in | Last updated on - Apr 23, 2024, 22:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/6

Akshay Kumar's 'Hera Pheri 3', Irrfan Khan's 'Life of Pi', Arjun Kapoor's 'Half Girlfriend': Movies Varun Dhawan missed being a part of

In the world of Bollywood, actors often find themselves at crossroads, forced to make tough choices between scripts that could potentially shape their careers. Varun Dhawan, known for his versatility and charisma on screen, has had his fair share of hits and misses. Right from Arjun Kapoor's 'Half Girlfriend', Irrfan Khan's 'Life of Pi', Arjun Kapoor's 'Ishaqzaade', let's take a closer look at some notable movies Varun Dhawan missed being a part of.

2/6

'Dhobi Ghat'

As per a report on amarujala.com, Varun Dhawan disclosed that he initially envisioned a different debut film. Allegedly, in 2010, he auditioned for a role in Kiran Rao's directorial debut, 'Dhobi Ghat'. However, Dhawan didn't secure the part, which was later portrayed by Prateik Babbar. Varun mentioned that Aamir Khan harbored doubts about his suitability for the role, ultimately casting Prateik.

3/6

'Life of Pi'

Varun Dhawan also tried out for a role in the critically acclaimed and Academy Award-winning film, 'Life of Pi'. However, he was unsuccessful in securing the part, which was ultimately portrayed by Suraj Sharma. Based on Yann Martel's bestselling novel, the movie follows the journey of Pi Patel, a young boy who survives a shipwreck and finds the will to live in the company of a tiger. Suraj Sharma depicted the younger Pi, while the late Irrfan Khan portrayed the older Pi Patel.

4/6

'Mr Lele'

In 2020, a project was announced by 'Dhadak' director Shashank Khaitan titled 'Mr Lele' which was going to star Varun Dhawan in the lead role. The makers had also released posters of the film. However, things didn't seem to have worked out between them.

Vicky Kaushal has now stepped into the lead role of 'Mr. Lele,' replacing Varun in the film. The decision came after Dhawan's exit due to scheduling conflicts. Kaushal's inclusion brings anticipation and excitement to the project, promising a fresh perspective to the quirky comedy.

5/6

'Hera Pheri 3'

Varun Dhawan was initially approached for the lead role in 'Hera Pheri 3' before Kartik Aaryan, according to reports. However, Dhawan declined the offer, leading to Aaryan's casting. However, owing to persistent public demand, the makers brought in the original star Akshay Kumar back in the film.

6/6

'Half Girlfriend'

Mohit Suri's 'Half Girlfriend' starred Arjun Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role. Reports were rife that it was Varun Dhawan, who was approached for the lead role. However, Varun couldn;t be a part of the film for reasons best known to him.

However, Varun clarified that he hadn't been approached for the film. Responding to rumours, Dhawan stated that he hadn't received any offers for the project. This statement addressed speculation surrounding his potential involvement in the film, setting the record straight on his casting status.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In Entertainment
  • Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata Live Updates: Kangana starrer braces for clash with 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'
  • 'Sing Geetham' X reviews OUT
  • Meghan Markle, Prince Harry upset over security 'double standard'
  • Alia's new 'Alpha' poster draws comparisons to 'Dune'
  • Olivia Rodrigo says dad cried meeting The Cure's Robert Smith
  • 'Jana Nayagan' leak : Cyber Crime Wing nabs prime accused
  • Priyanka hails her 'Queen' Madhuri Dixit for 'Maa Behen'
  • Kimi teases Kim for stealing his towel at Monaco GP - WATCH
  • Jennifer Lawrence to feature in romantic comedy 'One Month Mark'
Photostories
  • Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number
  • 7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spaces
  • Kangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree
  • 10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer
  • 6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in nature
  • Inland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explained
  • Is your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help
  • 10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T
  • “This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety
Explore more Stories
  • 12
    All about ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ live-action cast: From Cate Blanchett to Mason Thames
  • 5
    All about Knox and Vivienne: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s youngest 17-year-old twins
  • 5
    Times 'Peddi' star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: 'I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin'
  • 5
    From 'Om Shanti Om', 'Dear Zindagi' to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on life
  • 7
    Rags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Entertainment
  • /
  • Hindi
  • /
  • Bollywood
  • /
  • Akshay Kumar's 'Hera Pheri 3', Irrfan Khan's 'Life of Pi', Arjun Kapoor's 'Half Girlfriend': Movies Varun Dhawan missed being a part of
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 12, 2026, 11.19AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service