Bollywood star Juhi Chawla captured hearts in the 90s with her charming personality, comedic timing, and impeccable acting skills. She was one of the era’s most beloved actresses, alongside leading stars like Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi. However, there were some major movies that Juhi turned down, roles which eventually went to other actresses who became synonymous with these hits. With her birthday on November 13, it’s an interesting time to look back at five movies Juhi passed up—each of which became iconic and helped elevate the careers of her fellow actresses.
1. Raja Hindustani: A Missed Love Story with Aamir Khan
Raja Hindustani (1996), one of Bollywood’s biggest hits, starred Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor in a romantic tale that resonated deeply with audiences. Originally, Juhi Chawla was offered the female lead. However, she declined, and the role went to Karisma, whose performance was widely praised. Raja Hindustani became a career-defining moment for Karisma, boosting her popularity and earning her a Filmfare Award. This film remains a staple in Bollywood’s romance genre and could have added an unforgettable chapter to Juhi’s career.
2. Dil To Pagal Hai: Juhi Turns Down a Yash Chopra Classic
Another blockbuster Juhi passed on was Yash Chopra’s Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). Juhi was considered for the role of Nisha, which eventually went to Karisma Kapoor, opposite stars Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. Karisma’s portrayal of Nisha, a passionate dancer who struggles with unrequited love, struck a chord with audiences and won her a National Film Award. Juhi’s decision to skip this movie meant missing out on a celebrated role in a film that became a romantic classic, furthering the success of her peers instead.
3. Raja Babu: Juhi’s Rejection Leads to a Govinda-Karisma Hit
The 1994 comedy Raja Babu, directed by David Dhawan, was another film Juhi was first offered. The role eventually went to Karisma Kapoor, who was cast alongside Govinda. Their chemistry became one of Bollywood’s most loved pairings. Raja Babu was a comedic hit, and Karisma’s performance as the spirited Madhu charmed viewers. The film’s success added to Karisma’s rising popularity in the comedy genre. Juhi’s choice to pass on this role meant missing out on yet another blockbuster.
4. Biwi No. 1: Another David Dhawan Comedy
David Dhawan’s Biwi No. 1 (1999) starred Karisma Kapoor and Salman Khan in a story of marital twists and turns. Juhi was the first choice for Karisma’s role, but she opted out, opening the door for Karisma once again. This film was a major commercial hit, and Karisma’s performance was lauded. Biwi No. 1 cemented Karisma’s place in the industry, further highlighting Juhi’s missed opportunities with comedy films that would have been a great match for her talents.
5. Judaai: Turning Down a Role Opposite Anil Kapoor
The 1997 film Judaai was another popular movie Juhi decided not to pursue. She was initially offered the role of Kajal, which eventually went to Sridevi. Starring Anil Kapoor and Urmila Matondkar alongside Sridevi, Judaai told the story of love, sacrifice, and greed, with Sridevi’s character bringing depth to the drama. The role was a defining one for Sridevi and is remembered as one of her iconic performances. Juhi’s decision to skip Judaai meant missing the chance to work on a movie that showcased strong female characters and complex emotions.
Reflecting on Juhi’s Career Choices
Juhi Chawla has given Bollywood many memorable performances in films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and Ishq. Her natural charm, comedic timing, and emotional depth helped make her a favorite. Yet, these five films she passed on were all massive successes that played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of her contemporaries. Each of these films showcased different aspects of romance, drama, and comedy—genres that Juhi excelled in and could have brought her even greater stardom.
Despite these missed opportunities, Juhi Chawla remains an iconic actress, appreciated for her contributions and beloved by fans. The choices she made kept her career unique, though they certainly make us wonder what her stardom might have looked like had she taken these roles.
As Bollywood fans celebrate Juhi’s legacy on her birthday, it’s clear her contributions remain significant. However, her story serves as a fascinating example of how film choices can shape, and sometimes alter, the trajectory of stardom.
