Why Hrithik Roshan Refused Lead Role in Swades — The Inside Story

Well, the 2004 Bollywood film Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, has become a cult classic now. It’s a movie that struck a chord in millions of people around the globe with its powerful narration about coming back to one’s roots and contributing to the community. This is one of the most amazing films associated with Bollywood’s superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who played the lead role. However, not that many people are aware of the fact that this role was offered to Hrithik Roshan first, whom he refused. Here we will discuss why Hrithik Roshan turned down that role and how Shah Rukh Khan went on to end up delivering one of the most iconic performances of his entire career.

Swades: This was among the most ambitious experimental project films for its time. The movie tells the story of Mohan Bhargava, The movie was directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and pivoted around key themes of patriotism, social change, and responsibility toward one’s homeland.

It was definitely not the masala fare that Bollywood was known for. Swades was a poignant film written on subtle emotions, and Gowariker first approached Hrithik Roshan since Gowariker had long known about his strong track record and acting skills.

Hrithik Roshan’s First Time Consideration in Swades

When Hrithik Roshan got Swades, he was at the top of his career, having come off a string of other huge successes, such as Kaho Naa.\ \ Pyaar Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. He was the one enjoying charm, charisma, and dance that had tagged him to be one of the top stars in Bollywood. He had mass appeal and acting range, so he was a natural choice for filmmakers who were looking for just that.

Why Hrithik Declined the Offer

He finally decided to decline the film offer. Sources believe that Hrithik apparently felt he wasn’t the right fit for the role of Mohan Bhargava. At that time, Hrithik looked to establish himself as an action hero and to fashion a career around roles which suited his best strengths – action, dance, and high-energy characters. Perhaps, Swades wasn’t as mainstream or powerful in those aspects of his career. Years later, Hrithik was to recount that, although he respected Ashutosh Gowariker’s vision, he felt that the role demanded a certain maturity and depth which he could not confidently attempt at that time.

Shah Rukh Khan Steps in

And when Hrithik declined that role, it was eventually offered to Shah Rukh Khan, and the rest, they say, is history.

Bringing a sensibility and gravitas to the role of Mohan Bhargava was nothing but remarkable by Shah Rukh. The take on the torn man between his riches and success abroad and his responsibility towards his homeland struck a chord with the audience. At the box office, the film didn’t even quite deliver, but it finally earned great critical acclaim and has since become a cult. SRK’s performance in Swades is often regarded as one of his best performances so far, which brings before the audience a relatively better controlled and introspective version of the otherwise glamorously romanticized energetic actor that SRK is known for.

Impact of Swades on Bollywood

Swades did not make any box office dents, but its message left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry as well as on the viewers. Issues it dealt with were true in nature — rural development, a very modern phenomenon called brain drain, and the sense of duty toward one’s country — themes that were relatively new to Bollywood cinema at that time.

Ever since, the character has been Shah Rukh Khan’s finest attempt, and it would be very hard to envision anyone else in that role. One can only speculate at what would have driven Hrithik Roshan away from the role, as he has grown into a brilliant actor over time; but for Shah Rukh, it was one such turning point in his career with Swades .

Later Collaborations of Hrithik with Ashutosh Gowariker

Interestingly, the duo of Hrithik Roshan and Ashutosh Gowariker did finally come together for the historical drama Jodhaa Akbar, which turned out to be a massive success and considered one of the best period films Bollywood has ever produced. Everybody seemed to have liked Hrithik in the role of Emperor Akbar; apparently, both the actor and the director found the perfect project to team up for.

In retrospect, although Hrithik turned down Swades, it did not seem to affect his thespian career, and he remains one of the top stars in Bollywood.

Could Hrithik Roshan Have Done Swades?

It’s a question that fans still debate — could Hrithik Roshan have played the role of Mohan Bhargava as effectively as Shah Rukh Khan did?

While Hrithik obviously possesses the talent and screen presence, one really cannot say whether he would have delivered the degree of relatability and warmth to the role that Shah Rukh did. Maybe it was best that Hrithik turned down Swades because Shah Rukh Khan was then able to deliver in a way that helped define his career as well as mold the movie into what it was.

Conclusion:

A Choice That Went Down in History It is indeed one of those choices that went in favor of everyone.

Shah Rukh Khan’s acting uplifted the movie from a good watch to a legendary one, and Hrithik went on to shape into roles that make him one of the most prominent leads in Bollywood. Interesting to speculate on what could have been, but it is very apparent that Swades was always going to be one of those cult classics, with SRK in the starring role.

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