PremiumNot Shah Rukh Khan but ‘this’ actor was first choice of Aditya Chopra for Dilwale Dhulhania Le Jayenge
Shah Rukh Khan also rejected Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge four times before finally saying 'yes' to the iconic film.
Last Updated: 08.57 PM, Oct 22, 2023
One of Shah Rukh Khan's most well-liked films is Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Everything about this movie—the SRK-Kajol jodi, the romance, the music, the plot, the dialogue, the cast—has now gained iconic status. However, did you know that Raj, the movie's lead actor, had previously been offered to someone else?
Aditya Chopra did not initially choose Shah Rukh Khan to play Raj in the film Dilwale Dhulhania Le Jaayenge. Saif Ali Khan was reportedly initially considered by Aditya as the ideal choice to play Raj in the film and even received an offer for the part; however, he was forced to decline the offer due to his unavailability and scheduling conflicts.
In addition to Saif Ali Khan, Aditya Chopra apparently thought about casting Tom Cruise as Raj Malhotra in Dilwale Dhulhania Le Jayenge, giving the movie an Indo-American edge. However, his father, Yash Chopra, reportedly rejected the notion, necessitating a rewrite of the plot.
But the story doesn't end here, as even you would be surprised to learn that even Shah Rukh Khan rejected the movie four times! You did read that right! He was so unsure about his ability to portray the stereotypical lover that he desperately wanted to walk away from the movie. SRK was content to play the villain and enjoy his role as the bad guy. Aditya Chopra persisted in pleading with the Baazigar actor to take part in his film.
In the documentary made on the film DDLJ, Shah Rukh Khan once revealed, “I never wanted to do a romantic role. Because by the time I joined films, I was 26. Normally, romantic films meant that you started off from college and then you work your way up into romance and then run away with a girl or committed suicide with a girl. I thought I was too old to be a romantic hero.”
Shah Rukh Khan's work front
Shah Rukh Khan will be next seen in Rajkumar Hirani's directorial, Dunki. The film also stars Taapsee Pannu and is scheduled to hit the theatres on December 21. If we go by the reports, the superstar will also have an extended cameo as Pathaan in Salman Khan's Tiger 3.