Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan recently revealed that he was originally approached for two blockbuster films, Darr and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, but turned them down, paving the way for Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, respectively.
Speaking at the trailer launch of Aamir Khan: Cinema Ka Jadugar in Mumbai, attended by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar, Aamir was asked about films he regrets not doing. He recalled, “Darr was one film I was working on, but I didn’t end up doing it. It wasn’t for creative reasons, but looking back, I feel it was for the best. The tone Yash ji (Chopra) was aiming for suited Shah Rukh better. If I had done it, the film would have been completely different. I don’t regret it because it turned out well and was successful.”
When an audience member reminded him about Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Aamir admitted he had suggested Salman Khan for the role. “I heard the script and told the writer that Salman would suit it better. That was my reaction… I liked the script but suggested they take it to Salman. The writer didn’t go to Salman directly but approached Kabir Khan, and then Kabir took it to Salman.”
Aamir also mentioned that Rajkumar Hirani had initially considered him for a role in Lage Raho Munna Bhai, but by the time discussions progressed, the film had evolved into a sequel.
Released in 1993, Darr became a breakthrough film for Shah Rukh Khan, while Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) was a massive hit, further cementing Salman Khan’s box office dominance.