Pratik S
Bollywood has witnessed numerous instances where an actor rejected a role, only for it to become iconic under someone else’s portrayal. One such instance is Shah Rukh Khan rejecting the lead role in the 1994 film Dilwale—a decision he reportedly still regrets.
The role was eventually played by Ajay Devgn, and the film became a box office hit. But what led to SRK’s refusal, and how did Dilwale shape Ajay Devgn’s career? Let’s explore the untold story behind this casting decision.
Why Shah Rukh Khan Turned Down ‘Dilwale’
Karan Razdan, the writer of Dilwale, recently revealed that Shah Rukh Khan was the original choice for Ajay Devgn’s role. According to Razdan, he personally narrated the script to SRK, and the superstar seemed interested but had reservations.
> “I went to Shah Rukh’s house to narrate the story, and he liked it. However, he told me, ‘Karan, the heroine should go with the hero in the end.'”
Razdan refused to alter the climax, and SRK declined the project, unable to accept a film where he wouldn’t get the girl in the end.
This led Razdan to approach Ajay Devgn, who immediately accepted the offer.
Subhash Ghai Didn’t Believe in the Film
Another fascinating detail Razdan shared was that renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai initially didn’t have faith in Dilwale.
> “After 80% of the film was shot, I showed it to Subhash Ghai. His reaction shocked me—he told me, ‘Cry now because you will cry even harder on the day of its release.'”
Ghai believed the film wouldn’t work, particularly because actress Raveena Tandon had already given 12 consecutive flops.
> “This will be Raveena’s 13th flop,” Ghai had predicted.
The Film’s Success and SRK’s Regret
Contrary to expectations, Dilwale turned out to be a huge box office hit, proving Subhash Ghai wrong. The film not only cemented Ajay Devgn’s status as an action-romance star but also revived Raveena Tandon’s career.
Years later, Shah Rukh Khan reportedly admitted to regretting his decision. He personally hugged Razdan and acknowledged his mistake:
> “I wanted the ending changed, but I was wrong,” SRK confessed.
The Impact of ‘Dilwale’ on Ajay Devgn‘s Career
Dilwale became one of the highest-grossing films of 1994, solidifying Ajay Devgn’s image as a versatile leading man.
What Made ‘Dilwale’ a Hit?
✅ Ajay Devgn’s gripping performance ✅ Suniel Shetty’s powerful presence ✅ Raveena Tandon’s emotional depth ✅ A mix of suspense, romance, and action ✅ Memorable soundtrack
This film proved that sometimes, rejecting a project can be a major career blunder, even for superstars like Shah Rukh Khan.
What Happened Next for Shah Rukh Khan?
Despite Dilwale, 1994 was still a strong year for SRK, as he starred in ‘Karan Arjun’ and ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, both of which were successful.
However, Dilwale remains a missed opportunity in his filmography. Ajay Devgn seized the moment, and it helped shape his trajectory as one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
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In Bollywood, a single decision can change the course of an actor’s career. While Dilwale might have worked well with SRK, Ajay Devgn’s portrayal made it iconic.
This story is a classic example of how casting choices impact cinema, and how even superstars sometimes regret rejecting a film that turned out to be a blockbuster.
Would Dilwale have been different with SRK in the lead? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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