Shah Rukh Khan’s Chak De India remains a timeless classic, continually captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and powerful performances. This sports drama not only earned critical acclaim but also achieved significant box office success, defying a modest opening. Interestingly, the role of hockey coach Kabir Khan was initially offered to Salman Khan.
So, what exactly happened? Let’s explore the behind-the-scenes story to understand why Salman Khan decided against this iconic role, ultimately paving the way for Shah Rukh Khan’s memorable portrayal.
While various reports suggested that Salman Khan’s fee demands for Chak De India led to a disagreement with producer Aditya Chopra, Salman himself clarified these speculations during the promotions for his film Sultan. He revealed the true reasons behind his decision to opt out of the blockbuster.
Known for his quick wit, the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor lightheartedly remarked, “I left it because even Shah Rukh Khan should be a part of a few great films.”
Salman Khan further explained his hesitation, citing concerns that the role of Kabir Khan might not align with his public image at that time. He shared, “When I was offered Chak De, my image was totally different as I was doing Partner and all those kinds of films. My only thing in Chak De was that my fans would expect me to wear a wig and win the match for India, which would not go for the film. That was not my genre at that point in time.”
He went on to emphasize that Chak De India was a more serious film with limited commercial appeal, stating, “It was a more serious kind of film and I was doing more of a commercial kind of cinema, which I am still doing. I would never move out of the commercial cinema zone, but it is just that there would be a lot of meaningful cinema in the commercial zone.”
Chak De India, directed by Shimit Amin, was a massive hit in 2007, securing its place as the second-highest-grossing film of the year, surpassed only by another Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster, Om Shanti Om.
