Did you know Ajay Devgan was the first choice for Karan Arjun and not Salman Khan? Details inside

Rakesh Roshan's 1995 reincarnation blockbuster Karan Arjun gears up for a theatrical re-release on Friday, November 22, the filmmaker has opened up about the film’s initial casting choices. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rakesh revealed that Ajay Devgn, not Salman Khan, was his first choice to star alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

Rakesh recalled approaching Shah Rukh Khan for the film after working with him on the 1993 action-comedy King Uncle. He also cast Ajay Devgn, a long-time acquaintance, due to his association with Ajay’s father, the legendary action choreographer Veeru Devgan.

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“They both came to me – Shah Rukh and Ajay. They said, ‘Sir, we want to talk to you. We want to interchange our image. My (Shah Rukh's) image is romantic, his (Ajay's) image is of an action hero. I want to do action, and he'd do romantic.’ I asked them how that would benefit the film. They got thinking. I said if it works in the film's favour, then only I’d do it. If I do it, the film wouldn’t work. I’m keeping in mind your image. I’d give him romance, and I’d also give you action to do. They both do action and romance. I’m making a wholesome film so you don’t worry about that. But they weren’t convinced,”

- Rakesh Roshan

With Shah Rukh and Ajay unable to align with the film’s vision, Rakesh then considered Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, who had recently co-starred in the cult buddy comedy Andaz Apna Apna (1994). However, Shah Rukh soon returned to the project, eager to be part of the film.

“Then Shah Rukh came back to me. He said, ‘No no, let me do it. You gave me my break. I’m getting sleepless nights that I’m not doing the film.’ So I told Aamir that now I have Shah Rukh’s dates,” Rakesh added.

Produced by Rakesh Roshan’s Filmkraft Productions, Karan Arjun features a star-studded cast, including Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Raakhee, Amrish Puri, Johnny Lever, and Ranjit. The film’s re-release will bring this iconic story of brotherhood and reincarnation back to the big screen for a new generation of viewers.