Juhi Chawla, one of the most charming and talented actresses of the 1990s, was a consistent box-office draw with her vibrant screen presence, comic timing and natural acting skills. The former Miss India and a powerhouse of talent, she starred in several hit films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Yes Boss and so on.
However, like many top stars, she also turned down several film offers, some of which went on to become blockbusters and iconic movies for other actresses.
Here’s a detailed look at some major films Juhi Chawla reportedly rejected and how those roles helped shape the careers of her contemporaries.
1. Raja Babu (1994):
David Dhawan’s slapstick comedy Raja Babu starred Govinda and Karisma Kapoor and became a cult classic in the masala genre. Juhi Chawla was originally approached for the female lead, which eventually went to Karisma.
Juhi’s reluctance to do loud, mass-market comedies at the time may have led her to skip the project. Ironically, she later went on to do successful comedies like Yes Boss and Ishq, proving that her comic timing was among the best in the industry.
2. Raja Hindustani (1996):
Directed by Dharmesh Darshan and starring Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor, Raja Hindustani was one of the highest grossing films of the 1990s. Juhi Chawla was reportedly the original choice to play Aarti, a rich girl who falls in love with a humble taxi driver.
At the time, Juhi was selective about her roles and was reportedly unsure about the film’s rural setting and the unconventional pairing. The success of the film and acclaimed performance of Karisma Kapoor marked a turning point in her career, elevating her to top-league stardom, a chance Juhi passed up.
3. Dil To Pagal Hai (1997):
One of the biggest regrets in Juhi Chawla’s career, as she has admitted in later interviews, was turning down Dil To Pagal Hai. Directed by Yash Chopra, the romantic musical starred Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor. Juhi was initially offered the role of Nisha which eventually went to Karisma and won her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Juhi declined the film because she wasn’t comfortable playing second fiddle to another heroine, particularly to Madhuri Dixit with whom she was often compared in the 90s. This decision cost her a meaty role in a high-profile Yash Raj production and possibly a chance to expand her range as an actress in more emotional and layered parts.
4. Judaai (1997):
Sridevi’s final film before her sabbatical, Judaai also featured Urmila Matondkar in a bold and pivotal role. Juhi was considered for Urmila’s role, the young woman who offers money to tie the knot with a married man, played by Anil Kapoor. The character was bold, manipulative, yet vulnerable, a far cry from Juhi’s bubbly screen image.
Juhi reportedly refused to do the movie due to its morally complex theme. Urmila, on the other hand, received praise for her gutsy portrayal, showing a darker, more dramatic side that contrasted with her earlier glamour roles.
5. Biwi No. 1 (1999):
Another David Dhawan hit, Biwi No. 1 starred Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor and Sushmita Sen. Juhi was considered for the role of the ‘Biwi’, the traditional wife who fights to save her marriage from a glamorous ‘other woman’.
Juhi reportedly turned it down due to scheduling conflicts or discomfort with the film’s theme. Karisma took on the part and added another blockbuster to her filmography. The movie was both a commercial hit and a platform to showcase Karisma’s emotional and comedic range.
Juhi Chawla’s decisions were likely influenced by personal values, career strategy and timing. While it’s easy to view these choices as missed opportunities in hindsight, they also reflect her commitment to maintaining her screen image and doing roles she felt comfortable with.
