Not Ajay Devgn! Ram Gopal Varma reveals who was his first choice for 2002 movie 'Company'

Ram Gopal Varma’s Company (2002) is celebrated as one of Bollywood’s finest gangster dramas, but few know that Shah Rukh Khan was once considered for the role that eventually went to Ajay Devgn. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, RGV revealed that he had initially envisioned SRK as the enigmatic gangster Mallik, before deciding otherwise.

SRK Was RGV’s First Choice

Varma said he had narrated the story to Shah Rukh, who showed keen interest. However, the director later felt that SRK’s high-energy screen persona wouldn’t align with Mallik’s calm, cold-blooded character. “Shah Rukh has a naturally vibrant personality, and I realized asking him to suppress that would be unfair to both him and the film,” Varma explained.

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Ajay Devgn Fit the Role Perfectly

After just one meeting, Varma sensed that Devgn’s quiet intensity was a better match for the role. “Ajay doesn’t need to say much; his presence speaks volumes,” RGV said. He added that he never told SRK about his decision at the time. Interestingly, Abhishek Bachchan was also considered for the role of Chandu before Vivek Oberoi was cast.

A Cult Classic Was Born

Company, starring Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, and Mohanlal, remains a defining film in Indian cinema. It explored the inner workings of the Mumbai underworld and showcased the volatile relationship between two gangsters. The film’s success cemented RGV’s reputation as a master of the crime genre.