The ‘King of Bollywood,’ Shah Rukh Khan recently shed light on a significant decision from his career, revealing why he turned down the lead role in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.
Speaking at the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai, SRK disclosed that he was approached by acclaimed filmmaker Danny Boyle for the role in Slumdog Millionaire. Despite his close relationship with Boyle, Shah Rukh Khan opted to decline the offer, citing conflicting commitments and concerns about the character he was asked to portray.
Explaining his decision, Shah Rukh shared,
Yes, Slumdog was there, now that you mention it. And I spend a lot of time with Mr. Boyle. He’s very sweet. But I was doing Kaun Banega Crorepati on television, successfully at that time. And I just felt in the story that was being told, the guy who was hosting was very mean, the story that was being told.
SRK expressed discomfort with the character’s portrayal as a dishonest host, which conflicted with his role as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati. He believed that his involvement in both projects would create a contradiction and chose to prioritize his existing commitments.
Despite his stature in the Indian film industry, Shah Rukh Khan revealed that he had not received substantial offers for Hollywood projects. He clarified, “I’ve said this honestly, but nobody believes it. So I’m going to say it to you very, very honestly. Nobody’s ever offered me any work. Crossover of substance.”
Addressing speculation about potentially playing James Bond, Shah Rukh Khan humorously remarked on his height but expressed interest in portraying a Bond villain. While he may not have pursued Hollywood opportunities extensively, Khan remains open to exploring diverse roles and collaborations beyond the Indian film industry.
The revelation offers insights into Khan’s career decisions and the considerations he weighs when evaluating potential projects. As one of Bollywood’s most iconic figures, SRK’s impact extends far beyond the silver screen, influencing audiences worldwide with his talent, charisma, and thought-provoking insights.
