Not SRK, Hrithik was first choice for 'Don,' reveals Farhan
What's the story
Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has disclosed that Hrithik Roshan was his initial choice for the lead role in the 2006 film Don, not Shah Rukh Khan.
During a podcast appearance with Raj Shamani, Akhtar shared the story of how Khan eventually got the part.
This revelation comes as a surprise to many fans who have associated Khan with the iconic character for years.
Initial choice
Akhtar initially offered 'Don' role to Roshan after 'Lakshya'
Akhtar and Roshan had previously collaborated on the classic film Lakshya, which led to Akhtar first offering the role of Don to Roshan.
"Hrithik and I did Lakshya, and we had an incredible, wonderful time working together," Akhtar said.
He further added that he informed Roshan about his plans to remake Don, a proposition that was well-received by the latter.
Change of mind
Akhtar envisioned Khan as 'Don' while writing the script
Despite his initial decision, Akhtar found himself envisioning Khan while penning the script.
"When I was writing, the only person whose face is popping into my head is Shah Rukh," Akhtar shared.
"So the way he was, not his cinematic image, but him, his personality, his wit, the little sarcastic sense of humor he has, self-deprecating, he can make fun of himself."
He attributed this to their shared experiences at social gatherings in Delhi and Khan's distinctive personality traits.
Understanding response
Roshan graciously accepted Akhtar's decision to cast Khan
Since Akhtar was picturing Khan in the role, this led to a conundrum.
"I called up Hrithik and told him, 'I'm writing the film I spoke to you about. But the more I'm writing, I'm feeling I should reach out to Shah Rukh for this film.' I'll never forget, he said, 'Farhan, you've to make your film, and in the best way possible.'"
"'If you think he's the guy, please go ahead and call him,'" Roshan told Akhtar.
Future projects
Eventually, Roshan made a cameo in 'Don 2'
Interestingly, Roshan made a cameo appearance in Don 2 (2011) as one of Khan's character's disguises.
Post-Don, Akhtar and Roshan worked together again in Zoya Akhtar's films Luck By Chance (2009) and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011).
Khan has since retired from the Don franchise, with Ranveer Singh set to take over the titular role in the upcoming Don 3, co-starring Kiara Advani.