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Baazigar and Khiladi were game changers in Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar’s careers.
Salman and Arbaaz rejected Baazigar and Khiladi.
Shah Rukh Khan got his big break in Bollywood in the 1993 film, Baazigar. Akshay Kumar’s 1992 film, Khiladi is among the most successful film in his career. However, both actors would not have been cast in these films if the Khan brothers hadn’t rejected them. Baazigar was first offered to Salman Khan while Arbaaz Khan rejected Khiladi, following the advice of Salim Khan.
Filmmaker duo Abbas and Mustan Burmawalla previously opened up about the casting of Khiladi and Baazigar. The Indian Express quoted Mustan as saying, “When we wrote the film’s (Khiladi) story, we firstly went to Salim to talk about it because we wanted to cast Arbaaz Khan in the lead role. He listened to the story with Arbaaz, but felt that the role wouldn’t suit him. Hence, we asked Akshay for the role.”
In a previous interview with the publication, Arbaaz had mentioned, “I was approached by the same directors for another film. I couldn’t do it (the film) because I was signed up with another director. The film was Khiladi. I was offered Akshay Kumar’s role. But unfortunately, that other film also didn’t happen.”
As for Baazigar, the filmmakers said, “We contacted Anil Kapoor but he said that this subject is risky and I will not do it. So, we contacted Salman, but he was doing Rajshri films back then, all family-oriented. Salim sahab said that it’s too early for Salman to do these types of films. We lastly went to SRK, and we both gave the narration.”
Mustan added, “Shah Rukh was sitting on the ground while listening to the story and we were on the couch. After we finished, he got up, hugged us and said, ‘Kya kahaani hai, mai karta hoon (What an amazing story, I will do it)’.”
Now, Shah Rukh Khan is prepping for King with Suhana Khan. The film will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh. As per reports, Shah Rukh Khan will play a mafia kingpin in the film and Suhana will play his protege. Suhana will be a parallel lead in the film with Shah Rukh Khan. This will mark the father-daughter duo’s first film together.
Akshay Kumar recently made a special appearance in Singham Again. He is currently shooting the third film in the Welcome franchise, Welcome To The Jungle. Akshay also has Bhooth Bangla and a Housefull film in his lineup. Interestingly, Salman Khan also made a cameo in Singham Again. He is currently shooting for Sikander with Rashmika Mandanna.
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