Why Shah Rukh Rejected Aishwarya 3 Times?

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Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are two of the most iconic stars in Bollywood, known for their stunning performances and the chemistry they share on screen. However, their collaboration on screen has been limited compared to other prominent pairings, and in some cases, Aishwarya was replaced by other actresses in films she was originally supposed to star in with Shah Rukh Khan. Here are some key instances where Aishwarya was replaced in films with Shah Rukh Khan:

1. Chalte Chalte (2003)

One of the most notable films in which Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was replaced by another actress is Chalte Chalte (2003). Initially, Aishwarya was signed to play the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Directed by Aziz Mirza, Chalte Chalte was a romantic drama, and the film’s story focused on a married couple’s struggles and their journey together.

However, Aishwarya’s personal relationship with Salman Khan created tensions during the shooting, and it reportedly affected her professional commitments. There were multiple rumors that Aishwarya and Salman had a public fallout around this time, and Aishwarya was replaced by Rani Mukerji.

Rani stepped into the role of Priya, Shah Rukh Khan’s wife, and the film was eventually released. Despite the initial disruption, Chalte Chalte turned out to be a commercial success, and Rani Mukerji’s portrayal was appreciated, especially her chemistry with SRK.

2. Baazigar (1992)

Though not as widely known, Baazigar (1992) is another film where Aishwarya Rai was initially considered for a role but was later replaced by another actress. The film, directed by Abbas-Mustan, was a major turning point in Shah Rukh Khan’s career, marking his first major hit in a negative role. It was also the film that established SRK as a leading man in Bollywood, with his complex character of a vengeful lover.

While Aishwarya was never officially signed for Baazigar, she was reportedly in the running to play Seema, a pivotal character in the story. However, the role was eventually given to Shilpa Shetty, who went on to become a popular actress in the 1990s. There was speculation that Aishwarya was dropped due to scheduling conflicts or differences in the vision of the film, although the exact reasons remain unclear.

3. Devdas (2002)

While Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in Devdas (2002) alongside Shah Rukh Khan, there is an interesting twist behind the casting. Aishwarya was not the original choice for the role of Paro, the love interest of Devdas.

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali initially envisioned the role for someone else. There are reports that he had approached several actresses, including Kareena Kapoor and even Preity Zinta, for the role before ultimately deciding to cast Aishwarya.

Interestingly, the role was originally offered to Aishwarya Rai much earlier, but it was only after she had become a global figure following her Miss World win and a few successful films that she agreed to take on the iconic role of Paro. Despite the delayed casting, Aishwarya’s portrayal of Paro in Devdas received wide acclaim, and the film became a monumental success in her career. However, there was a period during the casting process when Aishwarya’s role was uncertain.

4. Shakti: The Power (2002)

Shakti: The Power (2002), starring Karisma Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan, was a Bollywood film that saw a major replacement involving Aishwarya Rai. Initially, Aishwarya was slated to star opposite SRK, but due to undisclosed reasons, the role eventually went to Karisma.

The film’s premise revolved around family drama and action sequences, and Karisma Kapoor was well-suited for the role. Aishwarya’s exit from the film was not publicized in great detail, but it is believed to have been a result of scheduling conflicts or creative differences between her and the filmmakers.

Though Shakti: The Power did not do particularly well at the box office, it marked another instance where Aishwarya was replaced by another actress opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

5. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)

Though Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was not officially signed on for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), there was significant speculation around her potential casting in the film, especially given the film’s bold narrative about infidelity, relationships, and social taboos. Directed by Karan Johar, the film featured an ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, and Preity Zinta.

The role of Maya, a married woman who embarks on an extramarital affair with Dev (Shah Rukh Khan), was initially linked to Aishwarya. However, due to her personal life with Abhishek Bachchan and the growing involvement of the Bachchan family in the film’s production, it was reported that Aishwarya was replaced by Rani Mukerji in the film. In fact, Rani’s portrayal of Maya became one of the film’s central elements.

Although Aishwarya’s name had been associated with the project, it was Rani who finally starred alongside Shah Rukh, making it another example of a movie where Aishwarya’s collaboration with SRK was replaced.

Conclusion

While Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have shared screen space in iconic films like Devdas and Mohabbatein (2000), their onscreen pairing could have been more extensive. From Chalte Chalte to Baazigar, there have been several instances where Aishwarya was replaced by other actresses, often due to scheduling conflicts, personal issues, or creative differences. Despite these missed collaborations, both stars have enjoyed successful careers, and their pairing in Devdas and other films remains unforgettable for fans.