8 Rejections, 9 Years: This Film Became a Box Office Sensation!

Rejected by 8 actors & made over 9 years, this film defied the odds to become the third-highest grosser of the year, earning Rs… with lead stars…
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Shah Rukh Khan: More Than an Actor, an Emotion for Fans

For millions of fans, Shah Rukh Khan is not just a superstar—he is an emotion. Over the years, SRK has consistently entertained audiences, leaving no stone unturned to deliver memorable performances. One such blockbuster came in 2014, and as expected, it was a massive success.

The film in question? Happy New Year. Released in 2014, this star-studded spectacle captivated audiences with its engaging storyline, sharp comedy, and chartbuster songs, making it a complete entertainer. Alongside SRK, the film boasted a stellar ensemble cast, including Deepika Padukone, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivaan Shah, and Jackie Shroff.

Produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Farah Khan, Happy New Year was an instant hit. With a budget of ₹150 crore, the film raked in a whopping ₹397 crore worldwide, cementing its place as a commercial juggernaut.

The Casting Shuffle: Who Almost Starred in Happy New Year?

Interestingly, Farah Khan initially considered Priyanka Chopra for the lead role opposite SRK. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Priyanka had to turn down the film. Several other actresses were also approached, including Sonakshi Sinha, Asin, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Parineeti Chopra, and Katrina Kaif, but none could come on board.

Similarly, the role played by Sonu Sood was originally offered to John Abraham and Prithviraj Sukumaran. However, things didn’t work out with them, leading to Sonu stepping in.

A Long Wait for the Big Screen

Did you know that Deepika Padukone was signed for Happy New Year as early as 2006? However, due to her commitments with Om Shanti Om, the film faced delays. In the meantime, Farah Khan went on to direct other projects like Tees Maar Khan and Om Shanti Om, pushing Happy New Year into development limbo for nearly six years.

Despite these hurdles, when the film finally hit the screens, it turned out to be an extravagant entertainer that lived up to the hype. With its mix of action, comedy, and music, Happy New Year remains one of the most entertaining films in SRK’s career

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