Casting Replacements That Made Us Say, "Thank God, They Weren't Cast" - Part 1

We often circle back to fantasy casting options, and more often than not, that surrounds Hollywood films and how they would have panned out with Bollywood actors in them. But look inward for a moment. Even within the Hindi film industry, we've seen a staggering number of casting switch-ups that are far more intriguing, bizarre, and downright delicious than our international wishlists. There’s a certain thrill in knowing how an entirely different actor was almost cast in a now-iconic role. Sometimes they turn down the part due to script concerns, sometimes they get replaced, and sometimes the universe simply conspires to make it fall apart.

But then, one leans back and wonders—how would these films have turned out if the first choice had said yes? And in so many of these cases, it just feels like... no, that would never have worked. It’s not just about acting chops. It’s about kismet, creative alignment, that weird alchemy between performer and character. Because we’re not talking about random ensemble comedies here. These are films that went on to become cultural cornerstones and characters that have etched themselves into pop consciousness. And so, as wild as it may sound in hindsight, we kick off Part 1 of a deep dive into the world of iconic casting swaps with a list of moments that make us whisper—Thank God, they weren’t cast.

Shah Rukh Khan replacing Armaan Kohli in 'Deewana'

Let’s begin with the most potent dose of casting irony: Shah Rukh Khan replacing Armaan Kohli in Deewana. Director Guddu Dhanoa recently reminisced about how Armaan had originally been signed for the film but opted out midway. The film was looking for a fresh face, and someone recommended SRK. At the time, the only things on his acting CV were TV serials like Fauji and Circus. Dhanoa admitted he didn’t know who Shah Rukh even was, but one meeting changed everything. Thank the cinematic gods for that pivot. Even in his earliest outings, there was a hunger and spark in SRK that made his ascent seem inevitable—and definitely more compelling than the originally cast Armaan Kohli. I mean it isn't that Kohli was a superstar or one of the most-sought after actors even at that time, so even in its commercial sense, having a talented actor like Shah Rukh Khan made more sense.

Aamir Khan replacing Abhishek Bachchan in 'Lagaan'

And now for something even more mind-bending: Abhishek Bachchan was considered for Lagaan. Yes, you read that right. A not-yet-debuted Abhishek was apparently Ashutosh Gowariker’s first pick for the period epic. To Junior B’s credit, he knew he wasn’t ready. He bowed out, understanding the scale of the beast he was being offered. The film then meandered through offers to Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan before landing with Aamir Khan—who not only starred in it but also produced it. Lagaan would go on to be India’s Oscar submission and one of its most beloved cinematic exports. Just imagine that cricket sequence with a younger, more tentative Abhishek trying to hold the fort. Nope. Didn’t work in our heads either.

Shahid Kapoor replacing Vicky Kaushal in 'Padmaavat'

Jumping ahead to the more contemporary realm, we have Padmaavat. Picture this: Sanjay Leela Bhansali is setting up the grand spectacle. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are already on board. The third lead? Maharawal Ratan Singh. The filmmaker’s original choice? A then-on-the-cusp Vicky Kaushal. Now, Vicky is a phenomenal actor and today, he’s got the range and recognition to back it. But reportedly, Padukone wasn’t too sold on the idea of Vicky in the role. Enter Shahid Kapoor. While Vicky might have brought subtlety, Shahid brought that grounded gravitas, especially opposite Ranveer’s full-tilt Alauddin Khilji. That triangle needed balance—and Kapoor brought just the right amount of royal restraint. Now Vicky, is working with Bhansali as an equal to another superstar like Ranbir Kapoor in Love & War. Cosmic rebalancing, much?

Ranbir Kapoor replacing John Abraham in 'Rockstar'

Speaking of Ranbir Kapoor, it’s unthinkable to imagine anyone else as Janardhan Jakhar aka Jordan in Rockstar. That raw, wounded transformation? The tortured vulnerability and manic outbursts? Iconic. So it’s absolutely baffling that Imtiaz Ali originally envisioned John Abraham for the role. Yes, the same John Abraham better known for his biceps and bike chases than brooding musical catharsis. Sure, John has presence. But could he have conveyed the fractured psyche of an emotionally bleeding artist? The consensus remains a hard no. Ranbir bled for that part—his internal disarray was visible, visceral. That casting change wasn't just necessary, it was destiny.

Farhan Akhtar replacing Akshay Kumar in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'

And what’s with Akshay Kumar and biopics? He’s practically the go-to guy for patriotic dramatizations even today. But long before the uniform love affair began, Kumar was reportedly offered Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Now, Akshay is fit. He’s agile. He can run. But what Farhan Akhtar brought to that film was otherworldly. A complete physical and emotional metamorphosis that transcended vanity. You could see the pain, the trauma, the triumph in his eyes and body language. It wasn’t just about looking the part; it was about becoming Milkha Singh—and Farhan did that in a way few could have anticipated. That scene of Farhan's bruised ankle as he continues to run - oh boy! Still get the gooseflesh, don't we?

Shahid Kapoor replacing Arjun Kapoor in 'Kabir Singh

Let’s circle back to Shahid Kapoor, shall we? Because if Padmaavat was a refined display of his restraint, Kabir Singh was the other end of the spectrum: a chaotic, visceral, controversial powder keg of a performance. And yet, in an alternate reality, it could have been Arjun Kapoor. Yes, producers were keen on casting Arjun in the Hindi adaptation of Arjun Reddy. But Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who directed both versions, held his ground. He wanted Shahid—and only Shahid. And it’s hard not to thank him for that. Say what you will about the film’s moral compass, but Shahid’s ferocity made Kabir unforgettable in a way that few actors could have managed.

Shah Rukh replacing Saif Ali Khan and (the thought of) Tom Cruise in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'

And now, the mother of all sliding doors moments—Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. The film that redefined Hindi cinema’s romance template almost didn’t have Shah Rukh Khan in it. Initially offered to Saif Ali Khan, the film then reportedly went to Salman Khan as well. But wait—it gets more bonkers. There was a time when, according to whispers from Yash Raj Films, even Tom Cruise was being considered to play the male lead in this Indo-British cross-cultural romance. Sure, Tom was the global heartthrob du jour, but can you even fathom Cruise trying to pull off "Raj, naam toh suna hoga"? Thankfully, all roads led to Shah Rukh Khan, who with this film not only captured hearts but also carved the archetype of the NRI romantic hero forever.

All in all, these casting curveballs make for an endless buffet of cinematic what-ifs. And while some might have been interesting experiments, most feel like bullet-dodged blessings. Because casting isn't just about star power—it's about fit, flavour, and a bit of fate. Some actors were meant for certain roles, and no amount of alternate versions could replicate that magic. These weren’t just casting choices; they were pivot points in cinematic history.

Which of these jaw-dropping swaps left you shook? Which one do you secretly wish had happened just for the chaos? Let us know in the comments because the rabbit hole runs deep—and yes, we’ll be back with Part 2 soon. You might want to buckle up for those as well.