Salman Khan agreed to play Aishwarya Rai’s brother in Josh after Shah Rukh and Aamir walked out!

The year 2000 gave Bollywood fans Josh, a vibrant romantic action drama that became iconic for Shah Rukh Khan’s fiery portrayal of Max Dias, leader of the Eagle gang. But few know that before SRK took the role, Aamir Khan wanted to play Max, and Salman Khan even agreed to play Aishwarya Rai’s brother after both the Jawan star and the PK star walked out of the project.

Related Story: Aamir Khan, Kajol wanted to play THIS role played by Shah Rukh Khan but...

When SRK and Aamir Were Meant to Share the Screen

In the early 1990s, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan rose to stardom around the same time, yet never appeared together in a film. Producer Ratan Jain recently revealed that Josh was initially planned to feature both superstars. Shah Rukh and Aamir were set to play the two lead roles later portrayed by SRK and Chandrachur Singh. However, things took an unexpected turn.

Jain said, “We had decided that Aamir would do the role that was done by Chandrachur and Shah Rukh would do Max. Mansoor had shared with me that Aamir wants to play Max. I said, ‘Absolutely not, only Shah Rukh will do that, or I won’t do the film.’” 

The Clash That Ended SRK-Aamir Collaboration

When SRK heard that Aamir was eyeing his role, he requested a joint narration to clear the air. But before the narration began, director Mansoor Khan revealed Aamir’s wish.

“Before the narration, Mansoor said Aamir wants to play Max. Shah Rukh put on his shoes and left. He said, ‘I am not doing the film then’,” Ratan recalled.

With both stars exiting, Josh was shelved temporarily - until another Khan entered the picture.

Enter Salman Khan: The Surprise Replacement

Jain revealed that Salman Khan was next approached for Max’s role. “Salman agreed. We approached Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Chandrachur Singh but the director wanted Chandrachur,” he said.

However, destiny had other plans. Around the same time, Salman was offered Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, a film that would later become a milestone in his career. Ratan sensed Salman’s heart was set on Bhansali’s project and returned to SRK.

“I went back to Shah Rukh. I told him this has happened and Salman doesn’t sound like he wants to do it,” he shared.

SRK initially asked for time, but Ratan insisted, “Ab karni padegi, meri izzat ka swal hai.” The next day, SRK called to confirm, “I am doing it.”

Must Read: When Aamir Khan was picked at Rs 17 lakh over Shah Rukh Khan despite quoting Rs 6 lakh to seal Mannat!

Aishwarya’s Casting and Unlikely Onscreen Pairing

Aishwarya Rai had already been cast as Shirley, Max’s twin sister, when SRK rejoined the project. Ironically, the duo later played lovers in Mohabbatein. Meanwhile, Aishwarya also starred opposite Salman in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam - a pairing that sparked their much-talked-about real-life romance.