25 Years of Kareena Kapoor Khan: From Queen to Chennai Express, Superhit Films Rejected by Bebo

25 Years of Kareena Kapoor: Bollywood’s icon and fashion diva Kareena Kapoor has completed 25 years in Bollywood. The actress shared a post on her social media with a caption, “25 years and forever to go …” sharing glimpses from her debut movie ‘Refugee’. Kareena made her Bollywood debut alongside Abhishek Bachchan in JP Dutta’s 2000 film, where she played the role of a Pakistani woman. Since then, Bebo has been ruling the film industry, delivering powerful and iconic roles in movies including Jab We Met, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Udta Punjab, Good Newzz, Veere Di Wedding, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Ra. One. 

However, Bebo has also rejected many Bollywood movies, which went on to become blockbuster hits. Today, on the occasion of her silver jubilee in Bollywood, check out some Bollywood movies rejected by Kareena Kapoor that might have given her stardom in her initial career.

Kaho Naa…Pyar Hai

Kareena Kapoor was originally cast as Sonia, but she left the film a few days after shooting began. She was then replaced with Ameesha Patel, who made her Bollywood debut alongside Hrithik Roshan in the film and became an overnight sensation after the film’s success.

Kal Ho Na Ho

Kareena refused to play Naina in KHNH. According to reports, Bebo was unhappy with the remuneration offered by Karan Johar. The role was then given to Preity Zinta, and the film became a blockbuster success at the box office. 

Queen

Another major opportunity missed by Kareena was Queen. The movie was then offered to Kangana Ranaut, who perfectly portrayed the role of “Rani,” and it is difficult to imagine anyone else portraying the role this much effortlessly, like Kangana did. 

Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela

Kareena Kapoor also rejected Deepika Padukone-starrer Ram Leela. When asked about the main reason why Kareena rejected Ram-Leela with a director of the calibre of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, she promptly responded that the role did not interest her at all.

Black

Starring Rani Mukerji, Black was considered one of the most impactful movies and a masterclass in cinema. Bebo rejected the movie, which later received two national awards and was named one of Time Magazine's top ten films of the year worldwide.

Chennai Express

Although Bebo has already worked with SRK in Ra.One, it was reported that Rohit Shetty wanted this jodi to once again capture hearts with Chennai Express. However, according to several media reports, it was said that Kareena rejected it because of date issues. Later, Rohit Shetty denied these claims. 

Fashion

One of the most glamorous and iconic Bollywood movies directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, Kareena Kapoor was offered the role of Priyanka Chopra in the movie. However, due to her busy schedule, Priyanka Chopra bagged the role and aced it, earning her a National Film Award.