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One of the most popular actresses in the Indian film industry, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, turns a year older today. The former Miss World, who started her career with Mani Ratnam's 1997 Tamil film Iruvar, has come a long way in her two-decade-long illustrious career. From starring in a couple of International projects to winning prestigious accolades for her performances, Bachchan continues to add more blockbusters to her filmography.
However, the Indian actress did miss out on a few blockbusters like the Krrish franchise, Bajirao Mastani and more, which helped other popular actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Vidya Balan among others, add more projects to their tally of hit films. Scroll down to see the list of movies rejected by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan rejected these 9 blockbusters that helped Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and other actresses change their career graphs and earns several Crores at the box office
Did you know Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for the first choice to star opposite Aamir Khan in Raja Hindustani? However, she couldn't be a part of the project as she was all set to participate in the Miss World pageant. The role was then offered to Karisma Kapoor, who impressed the critics and audience with her stellar act in the romantic drama.
Karan Johar's 2001 multi-starrer Kabhi Khush Kabhie Gham is touted to be one of the most iconic family dramas in Bollywood's history. While the makers wanted to cast Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opposite Shah Rukh Khan, the role went to Kajol as the former had to turn down the project due to the unavailability of dates.
Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who won over the audience with their incredible chemistry in Dhoom 2 in 20006, had an opportunity to collaborate in 2000 as well. The role of Sonia played by Ameesha Patel in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was initially offered to Rai Bachchan, but she turned it down due to other commitments.
Remember actress Gracy Singh's character in Rajkumar Hirani's Munna Bhai MBBS? Well, the filmmaker wanted to rope in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for the role of Dr Suman Asthana but the actress reportedly turned down the offer due to lead actor Sanjay Dutt's turbulent personal phase. Meanwhile, the comedy-drama went on to mint multiple crores at the box office and the film was later turned into a (successful) franchise.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had another opportunity to collaborate with Hrithik Roshan when she was offered the lead role in Krrish. But the actress rejected the offer and the role was then offered to Priyanka Chopra. Talking about Krrish, it's one of the most successful superhero franchises in Bollywood. The makers are currently working on the script of its fourth instalment.
While Vidya Balan impressed everyone with her stellar acting in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, she wasn’t the first choice for the role. According to multiple reports, the role of Avni/Manjulika was offered to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan first but the actress turned it down due to unknown reasons. The Akshay Kumar starrer went on to become one of the highest-earning films of 2007.
After the phenomenal success of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted to cast Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Bajirao Mastani, but the latter reportedly rejected the offer. Years later Bhansali completed the project with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles and added another blockbuster to his filmography.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is another blockbuster rejected by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. While director Karan Johar wanted to cast Rai Bachchan opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the entertaining rom-com, the former had already given her dates to various other projects. The role of Tina Malhotra was then offered to Rani Mukerji, who impressed critics and movie buffs with her strong performance.
In addition to her illustrious Bollywood career, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has also featured in Hollywood projects like The Pink Panther 2, Bride & Prejudice and many more. According to reports, she was also offered a role in Brad Pitt starrer Troy, but she reportedly turned it down as she wasn't comfortable doing intimate scenes.
