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Entertainment
Kunal Kapoor Declined Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn’s Debut Roles
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 05 Aug 2026, 04:38 PM
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Actor Kunal Kapoor, who was the first choice for Shah Rukh Khan’s debut in Deewana and Ajay Devgn’s debut in Phool Aur Kaante, turned down both offers, according to industry sources.
Kunal Kapoor, a well‑known character actor in Hindi cinema, was reportedly the first choice for Shah Rukh Khan’s debut film Deewana (1992). The role, which later became a launchpad for Khan’s superstar career, was initially offered to Kapoor but he declined the offer.
Sources say Kapoor turned down the part because he felt the script did not suit his style at the time and preferred to wait for roles that aligned better with his artistic goals.
The same pattern emerged for Ajay Devgn’s debut in Phool Aur Kaante (1991). Kapoor was again the first choice for the lead role, but he rejected the offer for similar reasons.
Although Kapoor missed out on two landmark debuts, he went on to build a steady career as a supporting actor in numerous Hindi films, earning respect for his versatility and professionalism.
Sources say Kapoor turned down the part because he felt the script did not suit his style at the time and preferred to wait for roles that aligned better with his artistic goals.
The same pattern emerged for Ajay Devgn’s debut in Phool Aur Kaante (1991). Kapoor was again the first choice for the lead role, but he rejected the offer for similar reasons.
Although Kapoor missed out on two landmark debuts, he went on to build a steady career as a supporting actor in numerous Hindi films, earning respect for his versatility and professionalism.