Did you know Arbaaz Khan and Salman Khan were the first choice for these two blockbuster films? But Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan benefitted the most. Here’s how.
You often come across actors and heroine approached by directors or even producers willing to rope them into their films. But many times actors fail to commit themselves because of their busy schedules. For example, Akshay Kumar’s Khiladi and Shah Rukh Khan’s Baazigar are the iconic films that made them stars in Bollywood. But did you know that these actors were not even the preferred choice for the film? Yes, you read that right. These iconic films were set to cast different actors. Take a look below.
Not Akshay Kumar but THIS actor was the first choice for Khiladi
During a conversation with Indian Express film directors, Abbas and Mustan Burmawalla made shocking revelations that actor Arbaaz Khan was the first choice for the lead role of Khiladi. When Arbaaz considered his father, Salim Khan’s opinion, he felt that Arbaaz was not quite fit for the role. After turning down the film, Khiladi makers then approached, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar instead, which added another box office hit in his portfolio.
Baazigar’s first choice was not Shah Rukh Khan but…
Another such incident might shock you, the blockbuster film Baazigar featured Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. However, did you know that he was not the first choice for this film? Yes, it is quite surprising! Filmmakers first approached, Anil Kapoor for the lead role, even though he declined to take the contract since it was a risky role to play according to him. Later, Salman Khan was the second choice for Baazigar, even though he declined to feature in the film since he was bust doing family-oriented films which ruled him out as well.
Finally, the Baazigar was offered to Shah Rukh Khan who openly accepted the offer after hearing the script. According to reports, SRK was so pleased with the script that he jumped in excitement hugged the filmmakers, and happily accepted the offer on the table. His confidence and enthusiasm showed the dedication SRK had towards Baaziar and the rest is history, the film was the starting point of SRK’s journey of iconic films.
Arbaaz Khan revealed that he was initially offered the lead role in Khiladi, but due to a commitment to another film, he had to decline. Unfortunately, the other film also didn’t work out. Akshay Kumar eventually stepped in and made the role iconic.
On the other hand, Arbaaz Khan later revealed that producers had approached him with Khiladi but due to prior commitments, Arbaaz had to decline the offer. Luck didn’t favour Arbaaz, his other film didn’t make a decent box office collection.
