List Of Blockbuster Films Rani Mukerji rejected

Rani Mukerji used to be the reigning queen of Bollywood once. Every top producer from the industry wanted to cast her in their films, but due to unavailability of dates and several other reasons, she had to say no to many films, some of which even went on to become blockbusters at the box office. Today, we round up the list of blockbuster films Rani Mukerji rejected in her heyday.

Mohabbatein

Rani Mukerji was the first choice for the role of Megha Shankar in Mohabbatein, but the actress turned down the offer as she did not want to play a spirit again after Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The role then went to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Though it was a brief role, Aish was praised for her endearing performance in the movie. Also starring Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles, the Aditya Chopra directorial turned out to be a massive blockbuster at the ticket window upon its release in 2000.

Lagaan

One of Indian cinema's biggest blockbusters, Lagaan released in 2001 and still remains one of the most loved films coming from the stable of Bollywood. Director Ashutosh Gowariker had approached Rani Mukerji to play the female lead in the film opposite Aamir Khan as both the actors had previously worked in Ghulam where their crackling chemistry was appreciated by one and all. But the actress turned down the offer and the role was offered to Gracy Singh. Little did Rani know then that Lagaan would win an Oscar nomination after its release.

Munnabhai MBBS

The film which changed Sanjay Dutt's fortune around was first offered to Rani Mukerji before it went to Gracy Singh. But the actress declined the offer. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Munnabhai MBBS is considered one of the best films produced by Bollywood in the last decade. The film and its leading characters became so popular after its release that the makers had to make its sequel, Lage Raho Munnabhai.

Waqt

Before Priyanka Chopra came onboard, the makers wanted Rani Mukerji to play the female lead in Waqt, opposite superstar Akshay Kumar. However, the Hum Tum actress did not accept the offer and the role finally went to Priyanka Chopra. Also starring Amitabh Bachchan, Waqt was a hit at the box office.

Heyy Baby

Rani Mukerji was the first choice to play the role of a mother whose child goes missing in Sajid Khan's directorial debut, Heyy Baby. However, the actress refused to do the film. The makers then approached Vidya Balan who liked the script and agreed to be part of the movie. Starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and Fardeen Khan, the film was a huge hit at the box office.

Bhool Bhulaiya

Rani Mukerji missed out on a brilliantly fleshed out role when she refused to star in Priyadarshan's successful horror comedy, Bhool Bhulaiya. The role then went to Vidya Balan and she pulled it off amazingly well. Her performance in the film is still considered one of her best acts. Bhool Bhulaiya also starred Akshay Kumar, Shiney Ahuja, Ameesha Patel and Paresh Rawal and went on to do exceptional business at the ticket window.

The Namesake

Mira Nair was keen on casting Rani Mukerji to play the character of Ashima Ganguli in her Indian-American drama film, The Namesake. But she didn't get success as Rani was shooting for Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna at that time. Mira then roped in Tabu.