Anyone who knows films knows what a big deal an Oscar is. In 2008, when Slumdog Millionaire starring Frieda Pinto, Dev Patel, and Anil Kapoor hit the screens, the audience went crazy. From being the talk of the town to earning multiple accolades, the movie was termed a true masterpiece. Further, it went on to win the Best Picture Oscars and minted over $300 million dollars worldwide. But did you know Shah Rukh Khan was supposed to play the role of a con host in the film? That’s right.
Director Danny Boyle offered the role played by Anil Kapoor to SRK first. The reason being Shah Rukh’s experience hosting on the Kaun Banega Crorepati game show. However, much to everyone’s surprise Shah Rukh turned down the film. When asked about it during a chat show, King Khan replied that although the film was great the fictional host in the film was a bit of a cheat. And because he has hosted a reality show on television he did not want his audience to associate it with him from his time hosting KBC.
“I was very keen that the film is made because I think that it’s a very interesting topic but I didn’t do it because the host is a little bit of a cheat, and he was a little mean, and I’d already done the show so I felt if I do it people will feel I do the same thing.” He added, “It was a great film,” shared SRK.
Shah Rukh also shared that Danny felt bad about his decision but did not let it affect his immense and special love for India. He also praised Anil Kapoor for doing a fantastic job and said he deserves every bit of the success.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan’s last appearance on screen was in Anand L. Rai’s Zero opposite Anusha Sharma and Katrina Kaif.