SRK was a better choice: Imran on turning down ‘Chennai Express’
The Bollywood film industry is known for its unpredictable nature, where actors and directors often have to make tough decisions about the projects they take on. Recently, actor Imran Khan revealed that he had turned down the lead role in the 2013 blockbuster film ‘Chennai Express’, which ultimately went to Shah Rukh Khan. In a surprising admission, Imran stated that he stepped away from the project due to a creative mismatch with director Rohit Shetty.
Imran Khan, who made his debut in the 2008 film ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’, has been known for his unique choice of films and his willingness to take risks. However, when it came to ‘Chennai Express’, he decided to opt out of the project, citing creative differences with the director. In an interview, Imran revealed that he didn’t think he was the right fit for the film, and that Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice for the role.
“I don’t think I was right for it…I said, ‘Listen, I don’t see us syncing’,” Imran stated. “Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice. I don’t think I could top Shah Rukh.” These words of praise for Shah Rukh Khan are a testament to Imran’s humility and his ability to recognize when someone else might be more suited to a particular role.
‘Chennai Express’ was a massive commercial success, grossing over Rs 423 crore at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time. The film’s success can be attributed to the chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, as well as Rohit Shetty’s direction. While Imran Khan might have been a good fit for the role, it’s clear that Shah Rukh Khan brought a level of charm and charisma to the film that was essential to its success.
Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ is not the first time an actor has opted out of a project due to creative differences. In fact, many actors have spoken about the importance of finding the right fit for a film, and how sometimes, it’s better to walk away from a project if it doesn’t feel right. For Imran, the decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ was likely a difficult one, but it’s clear that he prioritized his artistic vision and his desire to work on projects that truly resonated with him.
In recent years, Imran Khan has been selective about the films he takes on, choosing to focus on projects that allow him to grow as an actor and explore new themes and genres. While he might not have been the right fit for ‘Chennai Express’, he has proven himself to be a talented and versatile actor in films like ‘Delhi Belly’ and ‘Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola’.
The story of Imran Khan turning down ‘Chennai Express’ serves as a reminder that the film industry is full of what-ifs and maybes. What if Imran had taken on the role? Would the film have been as successful with him at the helm? These are questions that we’ll never have the answers to, but it’s clear that Imran made the right decision for himself, and that Shah Rukh Khan was the perfect choice for the film.
In the end, Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ is a testament to his integrity as an actor and his commitment to his craft. While it might have been a difficult decision to make, it’s clear that he prioritized his artistic vision and his desire to work on projects that truly resonated with him. As for Shah Rukh Khan, he proved once again why he’s one of the biggest stars in Bollywood, bringing a level of charm and charisma to the film that was essential to its success.
For more information on this story, visit: https://www.news18.com/amp/movies/bollywood/imran-khan-reveals-he-turned-down-chennai-express-shah-rukh-khan-was-a-better-choice-9854749.html