Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan recently opened up about some of the major film opportunities he turned down, which later became iconic hits for fellow actors Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Speaking at the trailer launch event of Aamir Khan: Cinema Ka Jadugar in Mumbai on Sunday, Aamir shared insights into his decision to pass on films like Darr and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
Aamir Reflects on Missed Opportunities
When asked about films he regretted rejecting, Aamir recalled being initially attached to Darr, the 1993 psychological thriller directed by Yash Chopra. However, he eventually stepped away from the project.
“Darr was a film I was working on, but I decided not to do it. That wasn’t due to creative reasons, but for other considerations. In retrospect, I think what happened was for the best. The tone that Yash ji was aiming for suited Shah Rukh better. If I had done the film, it would have turned out differently because I saw it from another perspective. I don’t regret it, as the film turned out well and was successful,” Aamir stated.
Shah Rukh Khan eventually took on the role, delivering a memorable performance as an obsessive lover. The film went on to become a major success and played a crucial role in establishing Shah Rukh’s career as Bollywood’s romantic superstar.
Aamir on Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Aamir was then reminded of another major film he declined—Bajrangi Bhaijaan. He revealed that he had read the script and immediately felt Salman Khan would be a better fit for the role.
“I heard the script and told the writer that it would suit Salman Khan better. That was my reaction. I liked the script, but I suggested taking it to Salman. Interestingly, the writer didn’t approach him directly but went to director Kabir Khan instead, who later took it to Salman,” Aamir explained.
The 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The heartwarming tale of a simple man’s journey to reunite a lost Pakistani girl with her family won hearts globally, with Salman’s portrayal earning widespread appreciation.
Other Films Aamir Turned Down
During the event, Aamir also mentioned Munna Bhai MBBS, revealing that director Rajkumar Hirani had initially considered him for a role. However, by the time the project took shape, it had evolved into a sequel to the original film, and the casting changed.
Impact of Aamir’s Decisions
While Aamir may have passed on these films, his career trajectory remains legendary, with critically acclaimed performances in films like Lagaan, Dangal, and 3 Idiots. His ability to meticulously select scripts has often resulted in record-breaking hits, and his missed opportunities have only added to the intrigue surrounding his career choices.
As fans look forward to his future projects, Aamir’s revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into how casting decisions shape Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
About Darr and Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Darr, released in 1993, was a turning point for Shah Rukh Khan, portraying an obsessive lover opposite Juhi Chawla and Sunny Deol. The film’s success cemented his place in Bollywood. Meanwhile, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, released in 2015, became a major hit, starring Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and child actor Harshaali Malhotra. The emotional story and Salman’s powerful performance contributed to its massive box-office success.
Sources By Agencies
