How rejected roles in ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’, ‘DDLJ’ and ‘Barfi’ made Sanjay Dutt, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone unforgettable

Aamir Khan also passed on a substantial role early in his career. Apparently, as said in Zoom, he turned down the role of Rahul Mehra's negative character in the movie 'Darr', because he did not want to play a villain at that stage in his career. The part was taken on by Shah Rukh Khan, leading to one of his most iconic performances, with his "k k k Kiran" being a memorable pop-culture moment in Bollywood history.

Akshay Kumar surprised people when he said no to 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. Apparently, according to the Hindustan Times, Farhan Akhtar ended up playing Milkha Singh, and he killed it – winning tons of praise and awards. The movie did super well in Bollywood, too. People are still wondering why Akshay would skip out on such a cool story.

Kareena Kapoor Khan's missed out on some big roles in Bollywood. According to India Today, she said no to playing Nandini in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', which then became a classic. Kareena also passed on chances to star in 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' and play 'Naina in Kal Ho Naa Ho'. Those movies all became big hits and got great reviews.

As per TOI, Katrina Kaif reportedly turned down 'Chennai Express', a role that was then offered to Deepika Padukone. She also rejected 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Barfi', both of which became blockbuster hits. Several of Katrina’s rejected roles eventually went to Deepika. This has often sparked conversations about the overlap in their film choices.

According to India Today, Saif Ali Khan once passed on the legendary role of Raj in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. The character eventually went to Shah Rukh Khan, who made it unforgettable. Today it is impossible to imagine Saif running through the mustard fields toward Kajol. The film became one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema.

As per TOI, Salman Khan too, turned down two of the most significant films in Shah Rukh Khan's career. Salman Khan rejected 'Baazigar', a film and role that was significant in SRK's rise to stardom. Later, Salman rejected another role in 'Chak De India', which also became one of SRK's most celebrated performances. It raises the question, of why would Salman turn down two such notable performances and roles?

Shah Rukh Khan has passed up several movie roles that became legendary. IANS reports that he passed on Munna Bhai MBBS, which Sanjay Dutt accepted, and ended up receiving praise for one of his strongest performances. As per Friday Talkies, SRK also rejected 'Lagaan', which was accepted by Aamir Khan, who was eventually nominated for an Oscar. He also turned down Deepak's role as Ajay Rathod in 'Rang De Basanti', a film that later became a cult classic.