Shah Rukh Khan playfully says Aamir Khan's shouldn't have done Laal Singh Chaddha and shares regret over missing out on Pushpa

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan

At the 24th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Abu Dhabi, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan made a series of light-hearted revelations, including a humorous jab at his contemporary Aamir Khan.

The Pathaan actor joked that Aamir shouldn't have taken on the role in Laal Singh Chaddha, the 2022 film that struggled at the box office, while also expressing his personal regret over not being part of Pushpa: The Rise, a blockbuster that earned Allu Arjun a National Award.

During the event, Shah Rukh Khan cheekily claimed that directors often approach him first for major projects before offering them to other actors. Vicky Kaushal, co-hosting the evening with SRK, couldn’t resist asking if Shah Rukh was originally offered Laal Singh Chaddha, the official adaptation of Forrest Gump that Aamir Khan eventually starred in.

With a playful smirk, Shah Rukh responded, “Even Aamir Khan shouldn’t have done that movie,” sending the audience and Vicky into fits of laughter. However, to ensure there were no hard feelings, he quickly followed up with, “I love you, Aamir,” making it clear that his remark was all in good humor.

Despite the anticipation surrounding Laal Singh Chaddha, the film failed to make an impact at the box office and received mixed reviews. Interestingly, it only garnered more attention and appreciation after its release on Netflix, where it found a more receptive audience.

The banter between Shah Rukh and Vicky continued as the latter brought up the 2021 pan-Indian hit Pushpa: The Rise. When asked if that role had been offered to him, SRK humorously confessed, “Oh my god, yaar! You’ve touched on something that still hurts. I really wanted to do Pushpa, but I couldn’t match Allu Arjun sir’s swag." His candid admission once again left the audience in stitches.

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Pushpa: The Rise, a massive hit across India, saw Allu Arjun deliver a standout performance, which ultimately won him the National Award for Best Actor. The film’s sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, is currently in production and will also feature Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna in pivotal roles.

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The IIFA Awards 2024, a three-day celebration of Indian cinema, took place in Abu Dhabi from September 27-29, with stars from across the industry gathering for a glamorous showcase of films, performances, and memorable moments.