DYK Arjun Kapoor turned down THESE blockbusters? A look at missed opportunities on his 40th birthday

Arjun Kapoor, who made a fiery debut with Ishaqzaade opposite Parineeti Chopra, turns 40 today. Born into Bollywood royalty, Arjun has dabbled in multiple genres, from romantic dramas and action thrillers to mythology and comedy. 

Yet, despite his efforts, superstardom has often eluded him. Over the years, he’s become one of the most trolled and misunderstood actors in the industry. While part of that image stems from his choices, fate too has played a role especially when it comes to the films he didn't do.

Happy Birthday, Arjun Kapoor

As Arjun marks a milestone birthday, it’s worth revisiting three major Bollywood blockbusters that nearly had him in the lead. Had these roles worked out, they could have drastically altered the trajectory of his career.

1. Ek Villain – The One That Got Away

In 2014, Arjun Kapoor was the original choice for Ek Villain, Mohit Suri’s gripping action thriller. He was offered the lead role of Guru Divekar, a complex character that later launched Sidharth Malhotra into stardom. Due to undisclosed reasons, Arjun turned down the role—an opportunity that could have become a turning point.

2. Kabir Singh – A Missed Iconic Role

When the remake rights of Arjun Reddy were acquired, the producers initially envisioned Arjun Kapoor as the lead. However, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga was set on casting Shahid Kapoor, a decision that paid off spectacularly, turning Kabir Singh into one of the highest grossers of 2019.

3. 83 – Almost Played Kapil Dev

Reports suggest that Arjun was considered to portray Kapil Dev in 83. While Ranveer Singh eventually bagged the role, director Kabir Khan had reportedly weighed Arjun in the early development stage. The switch came with a change in direction and production plans.

On the Work Front

Recently, Arjun appeared in Mere Husband Ki Biwi, a romantic comedy directed by Mudassar Aziz. Co-starring Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Preet Singh, the film was produced by Pooja Entertainment.

As Arjun Kapoor enters a new decade, fans and critics alike hope he finds that one defining role that reshapes his narrative in Bollywood.