Shah Rukh Khan did not charge heavy fee that’s why he got role in DDLJ, Aditya Chopra wanted to cast this superstar but….

SRK and Kajol’s chemistry is so legendary that it’s impossible to envision anyone else in those roles. However, Shah Rukh Khan wasn’t even the first choice for the film.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is undeniably one of the most iconic films in our cinema, a timeless classic that continues to live in our minds rent-free. From its unforgettable background score to its brilliant storyline, everything about the film is perfectly crafted. And when it comes to the cast, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol bringing the characters of Raj and Simran to life. Their chemistry is so legendary that it’s impossible to envision anyone else in those roles. However, here’s a shocking revelation: Shah Rukh Khan wasn’t even the first choice for the film. That’s right!

DDLJ was supposed to be an Indo-American collaboration

Interestingly, Aditya Chopra had envisioned either Saif Ali Khan for the lead role, Raj Malhotra. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out. Reportedly, the director also envisioned the movie as an Indo-American collaboration. He sought Tom Cruise for the role, planning a storyline in which a foreigner would travel to Punjab in search of his love. However, the high fee demanded by Tom Cruise led to a change of plans.

How much fees did the Hollywood actor demand?

Reportedly, Tom Cruise asked for a fee of around $8 million, which was nearly 2.5 times higher than Shah Rukh Khan’s asking fee. At the time, the film’s total budget was approximately 28 crores, and Tom Cruise’s fee accounted for nearly 90% of that amount. Upon hearing about the exorbitant fee, Yash Chopra reportedly instructed Aditya Chopra to revise the story, leading to Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol being finalized for the film.

About Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayengedirected by Aditya Chopra, was released in 1995. Starring Shah Rukh Khan as Raj and Kajol as Simran, the movie follows the story of two young people who fall in love while travelling through Europe, only to face the challenges of traditional family values and expectations. Set against stunning locations like the Swiss Alps, London and Punjab, the movie’s picturesque cinematography added to its charm. The film’s seamless blend of romance, drama, and comedy, along with its memorable soundtrack, made it an instant hit. DDLJ became one of the highest-grossing films of its time, earning over Rs 102.5 crore at the box office.