Rani Mukerji, the veteran Bollywood actress, is known for her superb acting skills, gorgeous looks and beautiful smile. The actress hails from a filmy background and becoming an actress was the last thing on her mind because there were already so many in her family. However on her mother’s insistence, she tried her luck in the film industry in 1996 with Hindi movie “Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat” and Bengali flick, “Biyer Phool”. Both the films released on the same day.
Rani’s acting was praised by critics but the movie tanked at the box-office and she returned to studies but she decided to become an actress after seeing the success achieved by her cousin Kajol. Rani Mukerji gave many hit movies later in her career such as – “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, “Saathiya”, “Bunty Aur Babli”, “Chalte Chalte”, “Veer Zaara”, “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”, etc.
However, there are some flicks which were rejected by Rani Mukerji and they turned out to be a great opportunity for other actresses. Here is the list of 8 movies that Rani rejected:
1. Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1994)
“Aa Gale Lag Jaa” was directed by Hamid Ali Khan and the female lead was first offered to Rani Mukerji but she refused to work in it as her father was not supportive of her working in movies at such a young age. The film starred Jugal Hansraj, Urmila Matondkar, Paresh Rawal, etc. in important roles.
2. Dil Se.. (1998)
Directed by Mani Ratnam, “Dil Se..” starring Shah Rukh Khan, Manisha Koirala and Preity Zinta was not a very big hit but still it has a loyal fan base. The role of chirpy and cute girl which was played by Preity Zinta was first offered to Rani Mukerji but she was not able to work in the movie.
3. Lagaan (2001)
This is one movie which made history on the box-office despite being of a long duration. “Lagaan” is set in a period before independence and the role played by Gracy Singh was first offered to Rani Mukerji which she declined.
4. Munna Bhai MBBS (2003)
Rani Mukerji’s loss was once again Gracy Singh’s profit as the former refused to play the role of female lead and it went to the latter just like in “Lagaan”. The movie was directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starred Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani and others in important roles.
5. Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005)
The flick starred some big names of the industry such as Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Boman Irani, Rajpal Yadav, etc. and it is quite an emotional film which can make even a strong hearted person cry. The role of Priyanka in “Waqt: The Race Against Time” was first offered to Rani but she couldn’t do it.
6. Heyy Babyy (2007)
“Heyy Babyy” was loved by audiences and it starred Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Vidya Balan and Boman Irani in important roles. Rani Mukerji was first offered the role of Vidya Balan in the comedy flick but she rejected it.
7. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Once again Vidya Balan played the character which was rejected by Rani Mukerji and it won’t be wrong to say that Vidya did a great job. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” also starred Akshay Kumar, Shiny Ahuja, Paresh Rawal, Ameesha Patel and others.
8. The Namesake (2007)
Mira Nair directed movie which was based on a the novel of the same name by Jhumpa Lahiri starred late actor Irrfan Khan and Tabu in lead roles and Rani was offered the female lead which she refused to play.
Do you know about more such films rejected by Rani Mukerji? Add to the list.
