Villain? No, Thanks! The Southern Superstar Who Politely Declined an SRK Blockbuster
Farah Khan recently revealed that she initially offered Kamal Haasan a pivotal role in Main Hoon Na, but he graciously turned it down. The part eventually went to Sunil Shetty, and the film went on to become a huge hit.
Farah Khan’s directorial debut, Main Hoon Na, released 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 Suniel Shetty in important roles.
The movie’s perfect mix of action, emotion, and music struck a chord with the audience. Tracks like Tumse Milke and the title song became instant chartbusters, cementing Farah Khan’s reputation as a director to watch out for.
However, many are unaware that the film could have taken a very different shape.
Kamal Haasan Was The First Choice
Recently, Farah Khan appeared on a cooking vlog filmed at actress Shruti Haasan’s residence in Mumbai. During their conversation, Farah Khan revealed an intriguing behind-the-scenes story: Kamal Haasan, Shruti’s father, was her first pick for a key role in Main Hoon Na.
Farah Khan said she personally flew down to Chennai and narrated the script to Kamal Haasan at his office. Though he listened politely, he eventually declined the role in his own unique style.
“Kamal sir was the first choice for Main Hoon Na, but it was Suniel Shetty who finally played the part,” Farah Khan shared. “After hearing the script, Kamal sir very sweetly asked me to leave.”
She did not specify the reasons for his refusal, but fans have speculated it could have been due to scheduling conflicts or creative differences.
A Dream Debut Despite The Setback
Despite Kamal Haasan’s refusal, Main Hoon Na turned out to be a massive success. It marked Farah Khan’s smooth transition from choreographer to filmmaker and brought a fresh mix of Bollywood masala with emotional depth.
The chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen received widespread praise, and the film’s emotional core, revolving around family, duty, and identity, resonated deeply with audiences.
What Lies Ahead For Kamal Haasan?
Known for his selective choice of roles, Kamal Haasan may have missed out on Main Hoon Na, but his illustrious career spans decades of memorable performances. Recently, he starred in the Tamil film Thug Life (2025), reuniting with legendary director Mani Ratnam after a long gap, though the movie underperformed at the box office.
Kamal Haasan’s next big release is Indian 3, one of the most awaited films from the South Indian cinema.
