SRK was a better choice: Imran on turning down ‘Chennai Express’
The world of Bollywood is full of what-ifs and maybes. What if a particular actor had taken up a certain role? Maybe the movie would have turned out differently. One such instance is Imran Khan turning down the lead role in the 2013 blockbuster ‘Chennai Express’. In a recent interview, Imran revealed that he stepped away from the project due to a creative mismatch with director Rohit Shetty.
For those who may not be aware, ‘Chennai Express’ is a comedy-drama film that tells the story of a man who accidentally boards a train headed to Chennai and falls in love with the daughter of a local don. The movie was a huge commercial success, grossing over 423 crore rupees at the box office. Shah Rukh Khan played the lead role in the movie, and his performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
Imran Khan, on the other hand, has been quite selective about his projects over the years. He has appeared in a range of films, from romantic comedies like ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’ to more serious dramas like ‘Delhi Belly’. However, when it came to ‘Chennai Express’, Imran felt that he wasn’t the right fit for the role.
“I don’t think I was right for it,” Imran said in an interview. “I said, ‘Listen, I don’t see us syncing’.” It takes a lot of courage for an actor to turn down a project, especially when it’s being directed by someone as established as Rohit Shetty. However, Imran felt that it was the right decision, and he has no regrets about it.
In fact, Imran believes that Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice for the role. “Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice,” he said. “I don’t think I could top Shah Rukh.” This is a testament to Imran’s humility and willingness to acknowledge the strengths of other actors. It’s not often that you see an actor praising someone else’s work, especially when it comes to a role that they could have played themselves.
So, what made Imran turn down ‘Chennai Express’? According to him, it was a creative mismatch with Rohit Shetty. Imran has always been someone who values his creative freedom, and he likes to be involved in the development of his characters. When he read the script for ‘Chennai Express’, he didn’t feel like he could bring anything new to the role.
As an actor, it’s essential to be true to oneself and one’s art. Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ may have been a risky one, but it was also a brave one. It shows that he’s willing to take a stand and prioritize his creative vision, even if it means giving up a potentially lucrative project.
In the end, ‘Chennai Express’ went on to become a huge success, and Shah Rukh Khan’s performance was widely praised. While we can’t help but wonder what Imran Khan would have brought to the role, it’s clear that he made the right decision for himself.
As for Imran’s future projects, only time will tell what he has in store for us. One thing is for sure, though – he’ll always be true to himself and his art. And that’s something that we, as audiences, can appreciate and respect.
In conclusion, Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ may have been a surprising one, but it was also a thoughtful and deliberate one. He prioritized his creative vision and values, and he’s willing to take risks to stay true to himself. As we look back on the what-ifs and maybes of Bollywood, it’s clear that Imran Khan is an actor who is unafraid to take the road less traveled.
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