Here's Why Shah Rukh Khan Rejected 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Shah Rukh Khan acknowledged receiving an offer to star in Slumdog Millionaire. Read his explanation on why he rejected the offer.

SRK was offered a role in Oscar-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

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New Delhi: A thought-provoking discussion with Shah Rukh Khan was recently held at the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai. The title of the event was "Timeless Success: A Conversation with Shah Rukh Khan." During the event, SRK revealed an intriguing tidbit about his Hollywood journey. He also confirmed that acclaimed director Danny Boyle had indeed offered him the role of the host in the Oscar-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. However, Shah Rukh turned down the role, which eventually went to Anil Kapoor.

Interestingly, at the time when he was offered ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, Shah Rukh was hosting the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, known as ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. Reflecting on his decision, Shah Rukh explained, “Yes, Slumdog was there, now that you mention it. And I spend a lot of time with Mr. Boyle. He’s very sweet. But I was doing Who Wants to be a Millionaire (Kaun Banega Crorepati) on television, successfully at that time. And I just felt in the story that was being told, the guy who was hosting was very mean, in the story that was being told.”

Although the producers of Kaun Banega Crorepati recommended him for the role, Shah Rukh declined, citing the disparity between his on-screen persona and the character in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. He expressed his belief that other actors would be better suited for the role.

Shah Rukh Never Got An Offer From Hollywood?

Regarding opportunities in Hollywood, Shah Rukh admitted that while there have been discussions, he has not received any concrete offers for substantial crossover projects. He said, “I’ve said this honestly, but nobody believes it. So I’m going to say it to you very, very honestly. Nobody’s ever offered me any work. Crossover of substance. I may have had conversations with people I know lots of lovely people from the west, from the English film industry, from the American film industry. But nobody’s offered me any good work.”