‘Karan Arjun’ has one of Bollywood’s most fascinating casting stories. Before Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan were finalised, director Rakesh Roshan had initially offered the role of Karan to Ajay Devgn. Reports at the time suggested that Ajay had agreed to star in the film but eventually turned it down due to “personal reasons.” Salman was then brought on board, and the rest is history.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the only time Rakesh Roshan approached Ajay Devgn for a film. In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Rakesh revealed that he had also considered Ajay for the role of Kaal, the antagonist in ‘Krrish 3’. However, Ajay declined the role, which eventually went to Vivek Oberoi.
Why Ajay Devgn declined Krrish 3?
Sharing the details, Rakesh Roshan said, “We never got a chance to work together. I couldn’t make a film in which I could cast him. He’s a very fine actor. In every film, he leaves a very big impact. I want to work with him, but I am not getting a chance. I did go to him for ‘Krrish 3’ to play Vivek Oberoi’s role.”
Explaining why Ajay turned down the part, Rakesh added, “He said the story is very good and the screenplay is very good but ‘Rakesh ji mere liye ye karna thoda mushkil hoga kyunki main bhi hero hoon. Mujhe end mein maare, acha nahi lagega. Aur aap toh compromise karenge nahi (It will be difficult for me to play the part because even I am a hero. If I am killed in the end, it won’t look nice, and you won’t compromise on the story).’ I said, ‘Yeah, I won’t compromise, which is why I am narrating the whole script.’ He turned down the offer.”
Released in 2013, ‘Krrish 3’ featured Hrithik Roshan in the titular role alongside Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, and Vivek Oberoi. The film became a blockbuster. While Rakesh Roshan has announced ‘Krrish 4’, he is also gearing up for the re-release of ‘Karan Arjun’ to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year.
