Ranbir Kapoor has enjoyed a successful career with hits like Animal, Brahmastra, and Sanju. However, he has also turned down some significant films, many of which went on to become huge box office hits with other stars stepping into his place. Here’s a look at 10 movies that Ranbir Kapoor passed on, and how those films helped other actors shine.
1. Delhi Belly
Role Went To: Imran Khan
Aamir Khan’s quirky production Delhi Belly (2011) was first offered to Ranbir Kapoor. However, he turned it down, and the role eventually went to Imran Khan. The film, made on a modest budget of Rs 30 crore, became a surprise hit and was well-received for its humor and edgy storytelling.
2. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Role Went To: Hrithik Roshan
Ranbir was initially considered for the role of Arjun Saluja in Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). After his refusal, Hrithik Roshan stepped in, and the film became one of the most loved travel dramas in Bollywood, giving Hrithik’s career a new boost.
3. Band Baaja Baaraat
Role Went To: Ranveer Singh
Ranbir was offered the lead role in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), a film that would later mark Ranveer Singh’s debut. After Ranbir turned down the project, Ranveer came on board, and the film became a sleeper hit, launching Ranveer’s career in a big way.
4. Dil Dhadakne Do
Role Went To: Ranveer Singh
Zoya Akhtar approached Ranbir again for Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), offering him the role of Kabir Mehra. Ranbir, along with his cousin Kareena Kapoor (who was offered the role of his sister), turned down the project. The film was later led by Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra and went on to perform well both critically and commercially.
5. Gully Boy
Role Went To: Ranveer Singh
Gully Boy (2019), another Zoya Akhtar directorial, was also initially offered to Ranbir Kapoor. However, he declined the film due to the supporting role aspect. Ranveer Singh then took over and delivered one of the most iconic performances of his career, earning widespread critical acclaim and box office success.
6. 2 States
Role Went To: Arjun Kapoor
The 2014 adaptation of 2 States was first offered to Ranbir. However, after he turned it down, Arjun Kapoor stepped in to play the role of Krish, opposite Alia Bhatt. The film went on to become a huge hit, striking a chord with the audience for its relatable story of love and family.
7. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
Actor who benefited: Ranveer Singh
Sanjay Leela Bhansali had initially wanted Ranbir Kapoor to play the lead in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. However, after Ranbir declined, the role was offered to Ranveer Singh, whose performance in the film alongside Deepika Padukone became iconic.
8. Dilwale (2015)
Actor who benefited: Varun Dhawan
Ranbir Kapoor was offered the role of Shah Rukh Khan’s younger brother in Dilwale, but he turned it down. The role eventually went to Varun Dhawan, and the film, though not a critical success, did well at the box office.
9. Bang Bang (2014)
Actor who benefited: Hrithik Roshan
Siddharth Anand had initially wanted Ranbir Kapoor to play the lead in Bang Bang, a remake of the Hollywood film Knight and Day. Ranbir passed on the offer, and Hrithik Roshan took over, delivering an action-packed performance that fans loved.
10. Befikre (2016)
Actor who benefited: Ranveer Singh
Yash Raj Films wanted to cast Ranbir Kapoor in Befikre, but the role eventually went to Ranveer Singh after Ranbir passed. While the film had mixed reviews, Ranveer’s performance was appreciated, and the movie did decent business.
Ranbir Kapoor’s decisions to reject these films opened doors for other actors, many of whom turned these opportunities into career-defining roles. It’s fascinating to see how choices in Bollywood can shape the destiny of multiple stars. As Ranbir continues to carefully choose his projects, these missed opportunities have only added to the legacy of other Bollywood actors.
