Believe it or not, there have been several instances where Bollywood actors have turned down some of the biggest Hollywood projects. The very recent revelation though of Govinda rejecting James Cameron's Avatar has been a mind-boggling one. The actor in his recent interview claimed that he was not only offered the lead role in Avatar but that he was also the one who suggested the title to the director. We bet this has left you in shock but there have been even bigger such instances where Bollywood celebs have rejected Hollywood films due to several reasons. Govinda Reveals He Rejected James Cameron's Avatar But Suggested the Movie's Title to Him.
While Avatar went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time after its release, until it was recently toppled by Avengers: Endgame, we can't help but imagine how different it would have been to see Govinda in place of Sam Worthington's character. Among other plum projects that Bollywood stars have turned down, there are also blockbuster films such as Troy, Slumdog Millionaire and more. Even Priyanka Chopra who may now be referred to more as a Hollywood actress than a Bollywood one was offered her big break way before Quantico but she turned it down then. Here's looking at some more Hollywood rejections by B-town stars.
Govinda - Avatar:
Going by the actor's recent account, he was supposed to be the lead in James Cameron's Avatar. The actor revealed in an interview recently saying, "It was me who had given the title of the movie. I had told (James Cameron) that your film will run successfully in cinemas. I also added that your film will take at least seven years to complete. That infuriated him." Well, we are still wondering how that happened!
Shah Rukh Khan - Slumdog Millionaire
Shah Rukh Khan was approached for Danny Boyle's Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The actor was approached for the role of the host of the show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' which eventually was played by Anil Kapoor. Speaking about the film's success and regretting about rejecting the role, Shah Rukh later in an interview said, "I know Danny felt bad about it. But he is such a good human being. And his love for India is something very special. After I saw the film, I thought Anil had done a fabulous job and deserves every bit of the success." Will Shah Rukh Khan Work In Hollywood Like Priyanka Chopra? The Superstar's Answer Will Win Your Heart.
Priyanka Chopra - Immortals
Long before Priyanka Chopra took over the American Television screens as Alex Parrish for Quantico, the actress was offered to play a role opposite Superman actor Henry Cavill in Immortals. At the time, PC was working on Vishal Bharadwaj's 7 Khoon Maaf in Bollywood and turned down the film. Her role was eventually essayed by Freida Pinto.
Irrfan Khan - The Martian
Irrfan Khan has been a known face in Hollywood too what with films such as The Namesake and Life Of Pi. What many don't know though is that the actor was approached for Ridley Scott's Academy Award nominee, The Martian which he turned down. The actor had already given his dates for Shoojit Sircar's Piku and hence refused the role in the Matt Damon film.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Troy
Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan would have been a part of the epic ward drama, Troy directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Dian Kruger, among others. According to reports, the former Miss World was offered the role of Briseis in the film which she rejected because she was uncomfortable shooting the intimate scenes with Brad Pitt. The role eventually went to Rose Byrne after Aishwarya passed.
Sridevi - Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg, who was making Jurassic Park in 1993, wanted to cast Sridevi in a small role in the film considering what a rage she was at the given time. After giving back to back hits in Bollywood, the actress was soon offered a Hollywood project. Although, the actress turned down the role in this epic film because it didn't meet her stature especially since she was at the peak of her career in India.
Lara Dutta - Matrix
Not many know that Lara Dutta had the chance to work with Keanu Reeves in one of the greatest movies of all time, Matrix. This happened after she won the Miss Universe crown in 2000. The actress confirmed being offered the film and stated that she had to let go off it because her mother was ill during the time and hence she had to head back to India.
We bet these revelations have got you thinking about how different these films would have been had these Bollywood actors starred in them. We are still pretty much stunned by Govinda's confession though and would love to see James Cameron respond to it.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2019 09:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).