SRK was a better choice: Imran on turning down ‘Chennai Express’
The world of Bollywood is full of what-ifs and maybes, with many actors and actresses often revealing the roles they turned down and the opportunities they let slip away. Recently, actor Imran Khan joined this list, revealing that he was once offered the lead role in the blockbuster film ‘Chennai Express’, but ultimately decided to turn it down. In a surprising move, Imran Khan has come out and said that he doesn’t think he was the right fit for the film, and that Shah Rukh Khan, who eventually played the role, was a better choice.
For those who may not be familiar, ‘Chennai Express’ is a 2013 Indian action-comedy film directed by Rohit Shetty and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over 423 crore at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film’s success can be attributed to the chemistry between the lead actors, as well as the direction and vision of Rohit Shetty.
Imran Khan, who has been a part of several successful films such as ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’, ‘I Hate Luv Storys’, and ‘Delhi Belly’, has spoken about the creative mismatch he experienced with director Rohit Shetty. According to Imran, he and Rohit Shetty had different visions for the film, which ultimately led to him deciding to step away from the project. In an interview, Imran Khan said, “I don’t think I was right for it…I said, ‘Listen, I don’t see us syncing’.” This statement highlights the importance of having a shared vision and creative understanding between the director and the actor, which is essential for the success of a film.
Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ may have been a difficult one, but it ultimately allowed Shah Rukh Khan to take on the role and make it his own. Shah Rukh Khan’s performance in the film was widely praised, and his chemistry with Deepika Padukone was undeniable. Imran Khan has acknowledged this, saying “Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice. I don’t think I could top Shah Rukh.” This statement shows that Imran Khan has a lot of respect for Shah Rukh Khan and recognizes his capabilities as an actor.
The decision to turn down a film like ‘Chennai Express’ may have been a risky one for Imran Khan, but it ultimately allowed him to focus on other projects and pursue roles that were a better fit for him. In the interview, Imran Khan also spoke about the importance of being true to oneself and not taking on roles that don’t align with one’s values or vision. This approach to his career has allowed Imran Khan to build a reputation as a talented and dedicated actor, who is not afraid to take risks and speak his mind.
In conclusion, Imran Khan’s decision to turn down ‘Chennai Express’ may have been a surprising one, but it ultimately allowed Shah Rukh Khan to shine in the role. Imran Khan’s honesty and humility in acknowledging that he wasn’t the right fit for the film are admirable, and his commitment to being true to himself and his values is something that should be respected. As for ‘Chennai Express’, the film remains a beloved classic, and its success is a testament to the power of Bollywood to bring people together and create memorable experiences.