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Aamir Khan was initially offered the lead role of Prem in the 1994 blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, but he declined. Subsequently, Salman Khan took on the role, which proved to be a career-defining moment. The film not only broke box office records but also revitalized Salman's career, solidifying his position as a top Bollywood star.
In Bollywood, a mix of talent, timing, and luck often determines an actor’s fate. Some stars shoot to fame with a single iconic role, while others fade despite a string of hits. Often, it’s the role one actor rejects that becomes another’s career-defining moment.
One such case is the 1994 cult classicHum Aapke Hain Koun..!, which was initially offered to both Aamir Khan and Salman Khan—before Salman took it on and made history.A Game Changer for Salman KhanHum Aapke Hain Koun..! is one of Indian cinema’s most iconic blockbusters, a film that not only shattered box office records but also marked a turning point in Salman Khan’s career. His portrayal of Prem remains a fan favorite to this day. But here’s the twist—Salman wasn’t the first choice for the role. Yes, the actor who went on to define the character was almost not part of the film at all!Aamir Khan Was the First ChoiceInterestingly, Sooraj Barjatya initially approached Aamir Khan for the role of Prem in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!—drawn
to Aamir’s innocent charm, which suited the character. However, Aamir wasn’t impressed with the script and turned it down. That’s when Barjatya turned to Salman Khan, who eventually took on the role and made it iconic. The rest, as they say, is history.At the time, Salman Khan was going through a rough patch—both professionally and financially. Sooraj Barjatya’s Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! came as a golden opportunity, and Salman didn’t think twice before saying yes.
The film turned out to be a historic blockbuster, not only smashing box office records but also giving Salman’s career a much-needed revival, cementing his place as one of Bollywood’s top stars.A Record-Breaking Blockbuster
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! made history by becoming the first Indian film to cross the Rs 100 crore (₹1 billion) mark at the domestic box office. When adjusted for inflation, it remains the highest-grossing Indian film of the 1990s and continues to rank among the most successful Bollywood films of all time.
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