Villain? No, Thanks! The Southern Superstar Who Politely Rejected An SRK Blockbuster
Farah Khan's directorial debut, Main Hoon Na, hit the big screen in 2004 and quickly became a blockbuster. Starring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, the film also featured Sushmita Sen, Zayed Khan, Amrita Rao, and Suneil Shetty in key roles.
The film's blend of action, emotion, and music struck a chord with audiences, and songs like Tumse Milke and the title track became instant chartbusters. It cemented Farah Khan's place as a director to watch.
But not many know that the film could have looked quite different.
Kamal Haasan Was The First Choice
Main Hoon Na was none other than Kamal Haasan, Shruti Haasan's father.
Farah Khan shared that she flew to Chennai and personally narrated the script to Kamal Haasan at his office. While he listened politely, he eventually declined the role, in his own trademark style.
'Kamal sir was the first choice for Main Hoon Na, but it was Suneil Shetty who ended up playing the role," Farah Khan said. 'After I narrated the script, Kamal sir very sweetly asked me to leave."
Farah Khan did not elaborate on the reasons behind his refusal, but fans have long speculated that scheduling conflicts or creative differences may have played a part.
A Dream Debut Despite The Setback
Despite Kamal Haasan's rejection, Main Hoon Na turned out to be a roaring success. Not only did it mark Farah Khan's successful transition from choreographer to filmmaker, but it also showcased a unique mix of Bollywood masala with emotional depth.
Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen's chemistry was widely praised, and the film's emotional core, centred around family, duty, and identity, resonated with audiences across the board.
What's Next For Kamal Haasan?
Kamal Haasan, known for his selective approach to roles, may have missed being part of Main Hoon Na, but his illustrious career spans decades of iconic performances. He recently appeared in a major Tamil film titled Thug Life (2025), where he reunited with legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam after many years. However, the film did not perform as expected.
Kamal Haasan will next be seen in Indian 3, one of the most anticipated releases from the South Indian film industry.
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Indian Express
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