Shah Rukh Khan has shared the screen with several leading actresses in some of Bollywood's most memorable films. From Kajol in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Rani Mukerji in Chalte Chalte, his on-screen pairings have often become fan favourites. However, not every actress who was considered for these films eventually made it to the final cast.
Over the years, a few actresses came close to starring opposite the Bollywood superstar but missed out because of personal decisions, casting changes or other circumstances. From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's exit from Chalte Chalte to Soha Ali Khan's unexpected casting change in Paheli, here are five actresses who almost shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan.
1. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Chalte Chalte
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was originally cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the 2003 romantic drama Chalte Chalte. The two even began shooting together and filmed the song 'Prem Nagariya'. However, the actress was replaced by Rani Mukerji after just one day of shooting.
Director Aziz Mirza recently recalled that the team had only filmed the song before the casting change. He did not reveal the exact reason behind Aishwarya's exit, saying that things did not work out as expected. While reports have linked the decision to off-screen circumstances at the time, the director has not confirmed those claims.
Rani eventually stepped into the role of Priya and starred opposite SRK in the film.
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2. Raveena Tandon – Darr
Raveena Tandon was reportedly the first choice for Yash Chopra's psychological thriller Darr (1993). However, she turned down the role because she was uncomfortable with certain scenes and costumes in the film.
In an interview, the actress revealed that she had concerns about wearing a swimming costume and performing scenes she was not comfortable with at that stage of her career. The role eventually went to Juhi Chawla, who played Kiran Awasthi opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Deol.
The film went on to become one of the most memorable thrillers of the 1990s and featured SRK in the role of an obsessive lover.
3. Soha Ali Khan – Paheli
Soha Ali Khan almost made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Paheli (2005). The actress recently revealed that filmmaker Amol Palekar had approached her for the project before SRK joined the film as its lead actor and producer.
Soha had even quit her banking job after discussing the project with the filmmaker. However, once Shah Rukh came on board, she was informed that someone else would play the female lead. Rani Mukerji was eventually cast opposite SRK.
Soha later recalled how unexpected the development was, as she had not realised that the casting was not final until the actors had signed their contracts.
4. Ankita Shorey – Raees
Former Miss India Ankita Shorey was considered for the female lead in Shah Rukh Khan's Raees (2017). She confirmed that she had undergone a look test for the character of Mohsina and waited several months for confirmation.
However, the role eventually went to Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who made her Bollywood debut with the film. Ankita clarified that she had not received a confirmed offer and that the makers made a last-minute casting change.
She also dismissed rumours that her nationality or religion had played a role in the decision. Mahira went on to star opposite SRK in the Rahul Dholakia directorial.
5. Twinkle Khanna – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Did you know Twinkle Khanna was the original inspiration behind Tina Malhotra in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)? Filmmaker Karan Johar initially wrote the character with his childhood friend Twinkle in mind and offered her the role.
However, she declined the opportunity, and Rani Mukerji eventually played Tina opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Several other actresses, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Raveena Tandon, Tabu and Urmila Matondkar, were also approached for the part but did not accept it.
The exact reason behind Twinkle's decision has not been clearly established. Rani was eventually recommended to Karan by filmmaker Aditya Chopra after he watched her performance in Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat.
From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's casting change in Chalte Chalte to Ankita Shorey's look test for Raees, these stories reveal how unpredictable Bollywood casting can be. Interestingly, the actresses who eventually replaced them went on to become part of some memorable Shah Rukh Khan films.
FAQs
1. Was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan the original choice for Chalte Chalte?
Yes. Aishwarya was initially cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan and even shot the song "Prem Nagariya". Rani Mukerji later replaced her.
2. Which actress rejected the role in Darr opposite Shah Rukh Khan?
Raveena Tandon revealed that she turned down the role because she was uncomfortable with certain scenes and costumes. Juhi Chawla eventually played Kiran.
3. Was Soha Ali Khan supposed to star in Paheli with Shah Rukh Khan?
Yes. Soha revealed that she was initially approached for the film but was replaced by Rani Mukerji after Shah Rukh Khan joined the project.
4. Who was the first choice for Mahira Khan's role in Raees?
Ankita Shorey underwent a look test for the role of Mohsina. However, she clarified that she was not officially confirmed for the film. Mahira Khan eventually played the character.
5. Was Twinkle Khanna offered the role of Tina in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?
Yes. Karan Johar initially wrote Tina's character keeping Twinkle in mind, but she declined the role. Rani Mukerji eventually played Tina.