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DDLJ’s Raj Was Almost Played by Salman Khan – Not SRK!
Few films in Bollywood history are as legendary as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). The 1995 romantic epic made Shah Rukh Khan the undisputed “King of Romance.” But shockingly, SRK wasn’t the first choice for Raj Malhotra. The role was initially offered to Salman Khan, now a Rs 2000 crore megastar—who turned it down!
Why Aditya Chopra Wanted Salman First
Before SRK’s name came up, director Aditya Chopra envisioned Salman Khan as the charming NRI Raj. At the time, Salman had already delivered blockbusters like Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994). His mass appeal and charisma made him the perfect fit—so why did he say no?
The Real Reasons Salman Rejected DDLJ
Industry insiders reveal two key reasons:
✅ Date Clashes: Salman was busy filming Karan Arjun (1995) and couldn’t commit.
✅ Creative Differences: Known for his macho roles, Salman may have felt Raj’s subtle romance didn’t suit his image.
How SRK Stepped In – And Changed Bollywood Forever
With Salman unavailable, Aditya Chopra took a gamble on Shah Rukh Khan, then known for dark roles in Darr and Baazigar. The rest is history—DDLJ became the longest-running Bollywood film, and SRK’s Raj set the gold standard for romantic heroes.
What If Salman Had Played Raj?
Imagine a DDLJ with Salman’s swagger instead of SRK’s charm—would it still be the same cultural phenomenon? While we’ll never know, one thing is certain: SRK’s Raj became legendary, while Salman later dominated action with hits like Dabangg and Tiger.
Salman’s Rs 2000 Crore Empire – No Regrets?
Despite missing out on DDLJ, Salman Khan built an empire—today, he’s one of India’s richest actors. His blockbusters and brand endorsements prove that rejecting one iconic role didn’t stop his superstardom.
The Irony: SRK & Salman’s Rare On-Screen Moments
Fate brought them together in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), where Salman had a cameo. Fans still hope for a full-fledged collaboration between the two Khans!
Final Verdict: A Bollywood Sliding Doors Moment
Salman’s rejection reshaped Bollywood history—SRK’s rise, DDLJ’s legacy, and Salman’s action-hero dominance. It’s proof that in showbiz, one decision changes everything!
🔥 What do YOU think? Would DDLJ have worked with Salman? Comment below!
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