Bollywood is filled with intriguing stories about casting choices and what could have been. Recently, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan unveiled some fascinating details about two of his iconic films, Karan Arjun and Krrish 3, and how the legendary actor Ajay Devgn came close to star roles but opted out. These insights not only provide background to Roshan's casting decisions but also highlight the challenges actors face when trying to maintain their on-screen personas.
Before Karan Arjun became the iconic film featuring Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Roshan had initially approached Ajay Devgn for the lead role of Karan. It was reported Ajay accepted the part but later stepped back, citing personal reasons. This pivotal decision opened the path for Salman Khan, who together with Shah Rukh Khan, went on to create one of the most memorable on-screen pairings in Bollywood history.
Years later, Roshan once again sought the talented Devgn for another significant role—in Krrish 3. The director had envisioned Ajay playing Kaal, the main antagonist, but again, circumstances shifted. Roshan’s attempts to cast him fell through when Ajay decided against it. Ajay was concerned about the potential impact on his heroic image, expressing worries about not wanting to die on-screen. "Rakesh ji, it will be difficult for me to do it because I am also a hero. If I am killed at the end, it won’t look good, and you won’t compromise on the story," Rakesh recalled Ajay saying during their conversation.
Despite the missed opportunities to collaborate, Rakesh holds Ajay Devgn in high esteem, stating, "We never got the chance to work together. He’s such a fine actor; he always leaves a massive impact on his audience." Although Ajay turned down the villain's role, it's evident he has immense respect for both Rakesh Roshan and his storytelling methods.
Krrish 3, released in 2013, starred Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, and Vivek Oberoi, with Oberoi eventually taking on the role Ajay had declined. Oberoi's portrayal of the villainous Kaal received widespread acclaim, contributing to the film’s success and solidifying the Krrish franchise as one of the pillars of Indian superhero cinema.
Reflecting on the past, it's clear how quickly things can change within the film industry. Ajay's rejection of both roles might appear like missed chances on the surface; still, it largely speaks to the actor's commitment to preserving his heroic image. The reverberations of Ajay’s decisions continue to play out even today, as Rakesh Roshan gears up for Krrish 4, much to the excitement of fans who are eager to see how the franchise evolves.
Interestingly, not only did Ajay opt out of Krrish 3, but he also had conflicts earlier on with the Karan Arjun project. The filmmaker noted this was frustrating since he’d had high hopes for working with Ajay since they first discussed the roles over three decades ago. With Ajay now established as one of Bollywood'smost bankable stars, many fans wonder if the rejection of these projects was the right move for him.
Roshan’s recent announcements surrounding the re-release of Karan Arjun celebrate the film's 30th anniversary. It is being set for global re-release on November 22, 2024, and is expected to draw nostalgia from fans who cherished its original run. Meanwhile, the wings of anticipation have opened for the upcoming Krrish 4, where fans are hopeful about the enduring legacy Rakesh Roshan has built under the superhero genre. The dynamics of casting, particularly with actors like Ajay, constantly remind audiences of the unpredictability inherent to the film industry.
While it’s exciting to think about the roles Ajay Devgn could have filled, the reality is he built his own impressive film legacy through other projects. His choices, influenced by personal principles and the desire to protect his image, tell another compelling story, one where actors remain acutely aware of how public perceptions can shape their careers.
It’s remarkable how individual decisions resonate through film history, shaping not only careers but also the narratives and character arcs within major productions. These revelations from Rakesh Roshan provide fascinating insight not just about Ajay Devgn and the roles he turned down, but also about the assumptions and expectations placed on actors within the industry. Mainstream films, especially those pitched as blockbusters, often define themselves through the stars who are central to them.
Through it all, the relationships between filmmakers and actors can be as compelling as the stories they strive to tell on screen. Even when projects don’t come to fruition, the respect and opportunities for future collaborations linger, leaving the door open for future explorations. The industry evolves, but the nuances of acting and directing persist, creating rich histories intertwined with personal and professional journeys.
Looking forward, fans of Ajay Devgn and Rakesh Roshan alike can only wait and see what the next chapter holds for both these influential figures in Bollywood. Whether through new projects or revisiting beloved classics like Karan Arjun, their paths will undoubtedly continue to intrigue and inspire audiences around the world.
