'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', 'Barfi!', 'Chennai Express': 5 Movies rejected by Katrina Kaif

After making her big Bollywood debut with a forgettable film like 'Boom' in 2003, Katrina Kaif slowly but steadily made her presence felt in the film industry with her choices of films and performances. She has been a part of some big-budget films like 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', 'Sooryavanshi', 'Tiger' franchise and many others. However, not many know that she has rejected a fair share of movies in the past that went on to become super successful at the box office. Take a look...

After showing off her on-screen chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan in Yash Chopra's romantic drama, 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', Katrina Kaif was approached for Rohit Shetty's 'Chennai Express'. She was supposed to play the role of Meenalochani Azhagusundaram. However, Katrina reportedly turned down the offer as she was not comfortable with the role. The role was then offered to Deepika Padukone, who aced it. The movie also became one of the highest-grossing movies in 2013. Katrina and Rohit Shetty later came together for 'Sooryavanshi' which also starred Akshay Kumar in the lead.

Not many know that it was not Ileana D'Cruz but Katrina Kaif who was first approached for 'Barfi!'. Director Anurag Basu wanted to cast Katrina in the film, opposite Ranbir. However, Katrina did not take up the offer for reasons best known to her. The movie also starred Priyanka Chopra in the lead role. The film received immense love and appreciation from the audience and the critics alike. It was also India's official entry at the 85th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

Ayan Mukerji's 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' is one of the most loved films in Bollywood. Fans loved the sizzling chemistry between Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. However, did you know that it was not Deepika but Katrina Kaif who was first approached for the role of Naina Talwar in the film? Yes, you read that right! However, Katrina passed on the offer owing to other work commitments. The film made record-breaking collections at the box office.

Read also: Video of Katrina Kaif shooting for 'Tiger 3' song goes viral; fans say 'her screen presence is going to be amazing'

After working with Katrina Kaif in 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' in 2011, filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar wanted to reunite with the actress in 'Gunday'. The actress was approached for the role of Inspector Nandita Sengupta in the film. However, Katrina rejected the offer owing to her hectic work schedule. The role then went to Priyanka Chopra. The film also starred Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor in lead roles. The film received positive reviews from all quarters.

Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra delivered brilliant performances in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Bajirao Mastani'. However, not many know that it was Katrina Kaif who was first approached for the role of Mastani in the film, opposite Katrina. However, the actress turned down the offer due to reasons best known to her. Bhansali had reportedly also approached actresses like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rani Mukerji for the role. The film was one of the most loved films of the year.