Kareena Kapoor is currently in the spotlight for her recent film The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta. Despite the praise for her performance, the movie has not made a significant impact at the box office. Amidst these discussions, an interesting story about Kareena’s past decision regarding a blockbuster film with Shahrukh Khan has resurfaced.
The film in question is Chennai Express, released in 2013. Directed by Rohit Shetty, this action-comedy became a massive success and collected ₹422 crores worldwide. Deepika Padukone starred opposite Shahrukh Khan in the movie, playing the iconic role of Meenamma. However, not many people know that Kareena Kapoor was initially offered the role but chose to reject it.
Why Did Kareena Kapoor Say No to Chennai Express?
Kareena Kapoor turned down the role in Chennai Express because she was already committed to another project at that time. She was busy shooting for Talaash with Aamir Khan. In an interview, Kareena revealed that Rohit Shetty approached her for the role, but due to her packed schedule, she had to decline the offer.
Talaash, a mystery-thriller released in 2012, garnered positive reviews and earned ₹175 crores worldwide. The film starred Rajkumar Rao, Rani Mukherji, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui alongside Kareena. Though Kareena delivered an impressive performance in Talaash, many wonder how different Chennai Express would have been had she taken the role of Meenamma.
Deepika Padukone’s Rise to Stardom with Chennai Express
After Kareena Kapoor’s exit, Deepika Padukone stepped in to play Meenamma, and the rest is history. The film became a turning point in her career, and her portrayal of the quirky, lovable character received widespread acclaim. The chemistry between Shahrukh Khan and Deepika was a major highlight, and their performance together helped Chennai Express become a box office sensation.
The film’s success marked the first collaboration between Shahrukh Khan and Rohit Shetty. The duo’s magic worked wonders, and three years later, they teamed up again for Dilwale (2016), which also performed well, collecting ₹388 crores worldwide.
Kareena Kapoor’s Notable Projects with Shahrukh Khan
Although Kareena didn’t work in Chennai Express, she has shared the screen with Shahrukh Khan in other films. The two appeared together in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Ra One, both of which became popular. Kareena also made brief appearances in Don and Billu, which starred Shahrukh Khan in lead roles.
Kareena’s Recent Film: The Buckingham Murders
In her latest film The Buckingham Murders, Kareena plays the role of a detective. While her performance is receiving praise, the film is struggling to make a significant mark at the box office. In its opening weekend, the film earned just ₹3.05 crores. Despite this, Kareena continues to receive acclaim for her acting, proving that she remains one of Bollywood’s most talented stars.
Kareena’s decision to turn down Chennai Express for Talaash may have been a missed opportunity in terms of box office success, but it doesn’t change her standing as a respected and successful actress in the industry.
