Maqbool: Not Irrfan Khan but Akshay Kumar was the first choice to play the lead - Did you know?

Some movies live a life that is celebrated by the masses and become immortal with time as people understand the nuances of the work and what the movie stands for. Vishal Bhardwaj is a filmmaker who has given Hindi cinema some of these rare gems that have aged like fine wine. One of these is, of course, the ethereal Maqbool, starring Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Pankaj Kapur in leading roles. The movie is one of the most precious Hindi films to have been released in this decade, and it is even more special because it features one of Khan’s most loved performances, a masterclass in itself.

There is no way one can forget to mention Irrfan when talking about Maqbool because he has left an indelible mark on Bhardwaj’s filmography. But did you know that the role was originally offered to Akshay Kumar? Yes, you read that right. The movie has had its own journey through casting and getting made. Read on to learn everything about this surprising trivia of the day.

Akshay Kumar Was Offered Maqbool?

If you didn’t know, welcome to the sweet space of realization where we tell you how your favorite films could have had a completely different trajectory if destiny hadn’t played its part. In case you’re wondering if the claim above is true, there are reports to substantiate it. As per multiple sources, including one from Republic World, Akshay Kumar was Vishal Bhardwaj’s first choice to play Maqbool in Maqbool. However, the actor rejected the film, and the casting process underwent further changes.

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Interestingly, the film went through multiple actors, including Kamal Haasan, Akshay Kumar, Kay Kay Menon, Manoj Bajpayee, and Randeep Hooda, before finally landing in the hands of Irrfan Khan, exactly where it was destined to. In retrospect, there is no way one can even remotely imagine anyone else as Maqbool but Irrfan. The Namesake star carried the movie with his expressive eyes and delivered a performance that will be remembered till the end of time.

What is even more fascinating is the fact that years after Maqbool, around 2009, Vishal Bhardwaj was back discussing a project with Akshay Kumar, which never saw the light of day. Talking to TOI, Kumar confirmed having conversations with Bhardwaj, saying, “Let’s see what happens. I’d love to work with him. His films are so real yet so entertaining. Kaminey is looking good.” Akshay admitted it would have been a step forward for him, especially during a time when he had pledged to do more entertaining films. “I don’t believe in differentiating between commercial and offbeat cinema,” he added.

Maqbool streams on JioCinema in India, and you can watch it with your OTTplay Premium subscription. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more information on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

Also Read: From Maqbool to The Namesake – Check out these 5 films of Irrfan Khan, that are based on famous novels