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 come together to create magic on the big screen. However, there are times when creative differences or personal preferences lead to actors turning down roles that could have been a game-changer for their careers. Recently, actor Imran Khan revealed that he was offered the lead role in the 2013 blockbuster film ‘Chennai Express’, but he decided to step away due to a creative mismatch with director Rohit Shetty.
In a recent interview, Imran Khan opened up about his decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’, stating that he didn’t think he was the right fit for the film. He said, “I don’t think I was right for it…I said, ‘Listen, I don’t see us syncing’.” This statement suggests that Imran Khan had reservations about working with Rohit Shetty, and he didn’t want to compromise on his creative vision. The actor’s honesty and self-awareness are commendable, as he recognized that he wouldn’t be able to do justice to the role.
Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ ultimately led to Shah Rukh Khan being cast in the film. The movie went on to become a huge commercial success, grossing over ₹423 crore at the box office. When asked about his thoughts on Shah Rukh Khan’s performance in the film, Imran Khan said, “Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice. I don’t think I could top Shah Rukh.” This statement shows that Imran Khan has immense respect for Shah Rukh Khan’s talent and box office pull.
The success of ‘Chennai Express’ can be attributed to the chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, as well as Rohit Shetty’s direction. The film’s story, which revolves around a man who falls in love with a woman from a different cultural background, resonated with audiences across the country. The movie’s music, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, was also a major hit, with songs like ‘Lungi Dance’ and ‘Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari’ becoming chartbusters.
In hindsight, it’s interesting to think about how ‘Chennai Express’ would have turned out if Imran Khan had played the lead role. Imran Khan has proven his acting chops in films like ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’ and ‘Delhi Belly’, but he may not have been the best fit for a typical Rohit Shetty film. Rohit Shetty’s movies often require a certain level of over-the-top energy and charm, which Shah Rukh Khan is known for.
Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ may have been a blessing in disguise for Shah Rukh Khan, who was looking to bounce back from a few consecutive flops. The film’s success helped Shah Rukh Khan regain his position as one of the top actors in Bollywood, and he has since gone on to deliver hits like ‘Happy New Year’ and ‘Dilwale’.
In conclusion, Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ was a personal and creative one. While it’s impossible to know how the film would have turned out with him in the lead role, it’s clear that Shah Rukh Khan was the better choice for the movie. Imran Khan’s honesty and self-awareness are admirable, and his comments on Shah Rukh Khan’s performance in the film show that he has a deep respect for his colleagues in the industry.
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