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Key Points

Anil Kapoor just revealed some fascinating Bollywood history about his iconic film Nayak. He shared that the lead role was first offered to both Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan before he ultimately landed it. The actor expressed gratitude that director Shankar trusted him with the character despite the other big names being considered. Fans are flooding social media with appreciation for his performance as the one-day chief minister.

Key Points: Anil Kapoor Reveals Nayak Role First Offered to Shah Rukh Aamir

  • Anil Kapoor reveals Nayak role was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan
  • Movie originally offered to Aamir Khan before Anil got it
  • Director Shankar trusted Anil for iconic CM role
  • Shah Rukh Khan later said role was meant for Anil
2 min read

Anil Kapoor reveals Nayak: The Hero was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan & Aamir Khan

Anil Kapoor shares that Nayak's iconic role was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, but he convinced director Shankar to trust him for the part.

"First offered to Aamir & Shah Rukh, but I knew I had to live this character - Anil Kapoor"

Mumbai, Sep 7

Bollywood star Anil Kapoor’s superhit movie "Nayak: The Hero" turned 24 on September 7, 2025. The actor who essayed the lead role in the movie shared a few stills and BTS pictures from the movie.

Remembering his iconic role as “one-day Chief Minister” Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, Anil Kapoor took to his social media account to share a fun anecdote about the movie. He revealed how the role of Shivaji Rao was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan.

Elaborating on the same, Anil stated, “Some roles define you. Nayak was one of them. First offered to Aamir & Shah Rukh, but I knew I had to live this character... and I’m grateful Shankar sir trusted me. I’ll always cherish Shah Rukh’s words on that stage: “This role was meant for Anil.” Moments like these stay forever. #24YearsOfNayak.” The movie saw Anil Kapoor essay the role of a common man who, under various circumstances, is handed over the tough job of becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra for 24 hours.

As soon as Anil posted the anecdote along with pictures, fans flooded his comment section with a lot of appreciation for his iconic character portrayal in the movie. A user wrote, "You don’t know how many times I have watched this movie; I'm a huge fan of you, sir." Another user wrote, "My favourite movie, Nayak. Nobody can play this role better than you, @anilskapoor sir. You are the perfect Nayak." A fan of the movie wrote, "All-time favourite. Massive for the time it was made in." "Nayak: The Hero", released in 2001, starred Anil Kapoor in the lead role along with Rani Mukerji, Amrish Puri, and Paresh Rawal.

The movie was directed by S. Shankar and was a remake of his own Tamil hit Mudhalvan. The movie was one of its kind, and the songs are still blockbuster hits after 24 years.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Watched this movie with my whole family so many times! The songs are still on my playlist - "Shakalaka Baby" and "Chalo Chalein" never get old. Anil Kapoor's performance was truly inspiring ✨
A
Aryan P
Respectfully, while Anil Kapoor was great, I wonder how Aamir Khan would have approached this role. His intensity in Sarfarosh was around the same time and he might have brought something different to the table.
S
Sarah B
This movie was way ahead of its time! The political message about corruption and common man's power is still so relevant today. Wish we had more films like this in current Bollywood.
V
Vikram M
Amrish Puri as the villain was equally brilliant! That man could make you scared with just his voice. What a legendary cast and what a film! 🙏
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Nisha Z
24 years and still gives me goosebumps! The railway station scene, the interview, the climax - pure cinema magic. Anil Kapoor deserved all the awards for this performance! 💯

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