Sep 20, 2024
By: Ayush Mehrotra
Credit: BCCL
Salman Khan is one of the biggest movie stars in India. Known for his massy entries and huge fan following across the country, he has delivered some of the biggest hits of all time. However, did you know he rejected a few movies that later turned out to be blockbusters? Let's take a look at them.
Credit: BCCL
Reports suggest that Abbas-Mustan initially wanted to cast Salman Khan in the lead role for Baazigar. However, after he declined, the role went to Shah Rukh Khan. Salman later expressed that he had no regrets about passing on the film. He explained that his father, Salim Khan, believed that since Baazigar revolved around a negative character, the makers should introduce a stronger emotional angle involving the mother. When Abbas-Mustan didn’t agree with this suggestion, Salman turned down the offer.
Credit: IMDb
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), which became Shah Rukh Khan’s biggest blockbuster and established him as India’s greatest romantic hero, was reportedly first offered to Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan. Director Aditya Chopra initially approached Salman for the role of Raj Malhotra, but when things didn’t work out, the role eventually went to Shah Rukh Khan.
Credit: IMDb
Salman Khan was offered a role in Chak De! India but he hesitated because of concerns about his image and the serious nature of the film as he was doing commercial and comedy films at that time, although he appreciated meaningful films within that genre.. He worried that his fans might expect him to wear a wig and win matches, which didn’t align with the film's tone.
Credit: IMDb
Salman Khan rejected Ghajini, which went on to become the highest-grosser of the year and marked Asin's Bollywood debut. According to reports, Salman did not find the script interesting and turned down the film. After his refusal, the role was offered to Aamir Khan.
Credit: IMDb
You may not know that Salman Khan was initially offered Saif Ali Khan's character Rohit. Since Shah Rukh Khan was already part of the film, it is reported that Salman rejected the offer because he did not want to take on the role that Saif played.
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Salman Khan is all set to make his grand return on Eid 2025 with Sikandar, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by AR Murugadoss. Leading a star-studded ensemble, the film also features Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Prateik Babbar, and Kajal Aggarwal in key roles.
Credit: BCCL