Saralnama
Several notable Bollywood actors declined roles that later became iconic in Indian cinema. Preity Zinta was offered the lead in Veer Zaara before Kajol declined. Shah Rukh Khan was initially approached for Rancho in 3 Idiots, a role that went to Aamir Khan. Kareena Kapoor was a first choice for Leela in Ram Leela but rejected it, leading to Deepika Padukone's casting. Saif Ali Khan was approached for Raj in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge before Shah Rukh Khan took the role. Akshay Kumar declined the lead in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which Farhan Akhtar eventually played. Salman Khan was offered the hockey coach role in Chak De India but turned it down, and Shah Rukh Khan starred instead. Katrina Kaif declined the lead in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, which Deepika Padukone accepted. Shahid Kapoor was first offered the lead in Raanjhnaa before Dhanush took the role. These casting decisions highlight how several blockbuster roles were initially offered to different actors who chose not to accept them. (Updated 22 Aug 2025, 08:52 IST; source: link)