SRK was a better choice: Imran on turning down ‘Chennai Express’
The world of Bollywood is full of surprises, and one of the most intriguing aspects of the industry is the way actors and directors come together to create magic on the big screen. Sometimes, however, things don’t work out as planned, and we get to hear about the “what ifs” and “maybes” of Bollywood history. Recently, actor Imran Khan revealed that he was once approached to play the lead role in the blockbuster film “Chennai Express”, but he turned it down due to creative differences with director Rohit Shetty.
For those who may not be familiar with the film, “Chennai Express” is a 2013 Indian action-comedy film directed by Rohit Shetty and produced by Gauri Khan under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles and was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹423 crore worldwide. The film’s success can be attributed to the perfect blend of action, comedy, and romance, which is a hallmark of Rohit Shetty’s direction.
Imran Khan, who was once considered one of the most promising young actors in Bollywood, revealed in a recent interview that he was initially approached to play the lead role in “Chennai Express”. However, he decided to step away from the project due to a creative mismatch with director Rohit Shetty. Khan stated, “I don’t think I was right for it…I said, ‘Listen, I don’t see us syncing’.” This statement suggests that Khan had a clear idea of what he wanted to achieve with the film, and when he realized that his vision didn’t align with Shetty’s, he decided to opt out of the project.
Khan’s decision to turn down the film may have been a difficult one, but he has no regrets about it. In fact, he believes that Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice for the role. “Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice. I don’t think I could top Shah Rukh,” he said. This statement speaks volumes about Khan’s humility and professionalism. It’s not every day that an actor acknowledges that someone else might be more suited to a role, and Khan’s willingness to do so is a testament to his character.
So, what made Imran Khan think that Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice for the role? One possible reason could be the fact that Shah Rukh Khan has a proven track record of playing larger-than-life characters in his films. His charisma and screen presence are undeniable, and he has a way of making his characters memorable and relatable. In the case of “Chennai Express”, Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Rahul, is a typical “Rohit Shetty hero” – a man who is brave, loyal, and always up for a challenge. Khan’s ability to play this character with ease and conviction was likely a major factor in the film’s success.
Another reason why Imran Khan might have thought that Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice for the role is the fact that Khan has a very different acting style. Imran Khan is known for his subtle and nuanced performances, which are often characterized by a sense of restraint and understatement. In contrast, Shah Rukh Khan is known for his over-the-top performances, which are often marked by a sense of energy and exuberance. Given the demands of the script, it’s possible that Khan felt that his acting style wouldn’t be the best fit for the role.
In hindsight, it’s clear that Imran Khan made the right decision by turning down “Chennai Express”. The film went on to become a massive hit, and Shah Rukh Khan’s performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. While it’s impossible to know how Imran Khan would have fared in the role, it’s likely that the film would have been very different with him at the helm. As it stands, “Chennai Express” remains one of the most iconic films of the past decade, and its success can be attributed to the perfect combination of Rohit Shetty’s direction, Shah Rukh Khan’s performance, and the chemistry between the lead actors.
In conclusion, Imran Khan’s decision to turn down “Chennai Express” was a brave one, and it speaks to his integrity as an actor. By acknowledging that Shah Rukh Khan was a better choice for the role, Khan has shown that he is willing to put the needs of the film ahead of his own interests. As the Bollywood industry continues to evolve, it’s heartening to see actors like Imran Khan who are willing to take risks and make tough decisions in pursuit of their craft.
About the Author
