Karan Arjun: Before Shah Rukh Khan-Salman Khan were cast, Sunny Deol-Bobby Deol were eyed for the film - Did you know?

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The trend of re-releasing classic films has opened new avenues for producers and filmmakers to revive yesteryear hits, allowing them to grow and flourish once again. One of the most prominent re-releases this year has been Karan Arjun, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan alongside Rakhee Gulzar. The Rakesh Roshan directorial, which turns 30 this year, remains one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema. While the cast, songs, and every element of the movie have become legendary over the years, behind-the-scenes trivia continues to surprise fans. One such revelation is that not only were Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn initially considered for the lead roles, but another duo was also in the running.

Rakesh Roshan Wanted Sunny Deol-Bobby Deol to Lead

Karan Arjun is a cinematic classic, and it’s now impossible to imagine anyone but Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in the titular roles. However, before these two superstars were cast, Rakesh Roshan had other actors in mind. While it’s well-known that Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn were approached initially, few are aware that Roshan first considered casting Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.

According to IMDb trivia, Rakesh Roshan envisioned casting real-life brothers as the leads for his project, then titled Kaynaat. Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol were his first choice. While Sunny, an established star at the time, immediately agreed to play Arjun, he wasn’t keen on Bobby playing Karan. Bobby was yet to make his acting debut with Barsaat, and Sunny was concerned about overshadowing his younger brother. He feared this might hinder Bobby’s career even before it began.

Sunny requested Rakesh Roshan to consider another actor for the role of Karan. At that point, Bobby was deeply focused on his debut project, and Sunny didn’t want him to get involved in a two-hero film that could potentially distract him. Ultimately, the Deol brothers passed on the project. The film then went to Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn before finally landing with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

Rakesh Roshan on Casting Shah Rukh and Salman

Reflecting on the casting of Karan Arjun, Rakesh Roshan shared his thoughts in an interview with Hindustan Times. He said, “I knew Shah Rukh was a hardworking and dedicated actor, having worked with him on King Uncle (1993). I had him in mind while writing Arjun.” Speaking about Salman Khan, he added, “He has very deep, expressive eyes. It was something the character of Karan needed, being a man of few words.”

With its iconic dialogues, chartbuster songs, and compelling narrative, Karan Arjun remains a fan favorite even after three decades. Its re-release on the big screen has brought a wave of nostalgia for fans and excitement for a new generation of moviegoers.