Salman Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan', Ranbir Kapoor's 'Sanju', Akshay Kumar’s ‘Airlift’: 6 Bollywood films rejected by Kangana Ranaut

One of the finest and bankable stars in Bollywood, Kangana Ranaut has crafted a name for herself with rich, content driven and commercial projects.Set to deliver yet another promising performance, the actress will be seen next in ‘Thalaivii’, wherein she essays the role of late J Jayalalalithaa. Over the years Kangana has presented stellar acts but has rejected some massive opportunities too. 'Sultan', 'Sanju' and 'The Dirty Picture' - take a look at the films rejected by Kangana Ranaut.

During an exclusive chat with ETimes, Kangana revealed that she was offered Vidya Balan’s role in ‘The Dirty Picture’. She added that she could not have done the role better than Vidya, who was ‘terrific’ in the film. Revealing ehr reason for turning down the blockbuster, Kangana shared, “I don’t think I would have done it better than Vidya Balan because she was terrific in that. But yes, sometimes I feel that I didn’t see the potential in that film.”

The National Award winning actress was offered the role of Sanjay Dutt’s on-screen wife in ‘Sanju’, opposite Ranbir Kapoor. However, due to unknown reasons, the actress backed out from the project. The film was based on the life of actor Sanjay Dutt and was helmed by seasoned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani.

Kangana was reportedly approached to play the leading lady alongside Salman Khan in 'Sultan'. The actress turned down the movie because she did not see anything for herself in it, however she did express that it was a great character for a girl. Anushka Sharma later bagged the role opposite Salman.

Before Nimrat Kaur was roped in to play Akshay Kumar’s on-screen wife, the makers had first approached Kangana Ranaut to play the part. However, she let go of the offer owing to her busy schedule. The historical drama was directed by Raja Krishna Menon and emerged as a massive box office hit.

Yes, it’s true. Not just 'Sultan', but Kangana was also offered a role opposite Salman in Kabir Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’. She was apparently the first choice of the makers but after she rejected the part, the movie eventually went to Kareena Kapoor Khan.

‘Rustom’ was reportedly the second film starring Akshay Kumar, which was turned down by Kangana Ranaut. The filmmakers had approached Kangana several times for the role. The period drama was then offered to Ileana D’ Cruz who won hearts with her portrayal of Akshay Kumar’s wife.