Shah Rukh Khan's 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', Sanjay Dutt's 'Munna Bhai MBBS', Ayushmann Khurrana's 'Badhaai Ho': 6 blockbuster movies rejected by Tabu

From her debut in "Bazaar" in 1982 to her captivating performance in the successful film "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2" in 2022, Tabu has maintained her position as a top actress for over four decades. In Bollywood's ever-changing landscape, this is no small achievement. Throughout her journey, she has earned praise from both audiences and critics. However, she has also rejected a fair share of movies that went on to become a blockbuster. Take a look...

Years after 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,' filmmaker Karan Johar approached Tabu for the lead role of Maya Talwar in his movie 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.' However, the 52-year-old actress turned down the offer citing her busy schedule, as reported by News18. The role eventually went to Rani Mukerji, who delivered a remarkable performance alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and others. The film emerged as the second-highest-grossing film of 2006.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wasn't the sole actress to decline the role of Tina Malhotra in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.' As per a News18 report, the character ultimately portrayed by Rani Mukerji in the classic Bollywood film was also offered to Tabu.

Tabu had the opportunity to join filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani's comedy-drama 'Munna Bhai MBBS,' but she declined the role of Dr. Suman Asthana, also known as Chinki, for reasons undisclosed, according to News18. Consequently, the makers cast actress Gracy Singh for the role opposite Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi.

Manisha Koirala achieved another blockbuster success when Tabu declined the role of Priya Verma in the film 'Mann,' opposite Aamir Khan. Although the romantic drama received positive reviews, it did decent business at the box office. Nonetheless, the film helped both lead actors, Khan and Koirala, showcase their versatility as actors on screen.

Tabu missed out on the chance to work alongside Rekha, Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, and others when filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi offered her the lead role in his 2001 crime drama 'Lajja.' Although the film did decent business at the box office, it was Manisha Koirala who garnered praise for her powerful performance.

Initially, the role of Priyamvada Kaushik, also known as Babli, in the film 'Badhaai Ho' was offered to Tabu. However, during the film's promotion, director Amit Sharma revealed that Tabu suggested Neena Gupta's name for the character. According to Sharma, Tabu felt that Neena Gupta looked suitable for the role and could convincingly portray a woman capable of having a child. Eventually, Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao were cast in the respective roles, alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Sanya Malhotra in other pivotal roles.