Hollywood icon Tom Cruise needs no introduction. The legendary American actor's name resonates with excellence, unparalleled charisma and daring stunts. He is one of the most successful actors and continues to captivate the audience worldwide with his dynamic performance. Even at the age of 61, it seems Cruise hasn't aged. Throughout his career spanning decades, he has inspired several renowned actors. But, did you know, that Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan's staggering success has a connection to Tom Cruise?
Not SRK, Tom Cruise was the first choice for DDLJ!
The 1995 Hindi movie Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) stands as a timeless masterpiece that transcends generations and borders, captivating hearts across the globe. This romantic saga set new benchmarks for love stories. With this movie, Shah Rukh Khan solidified his status as the 'King of Romance.' Moreover, the musical-romance film written and directed by debutant Aditya Chopra left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
However, many are not aware that Aditya wrote the script with Tom Cruise in his mind? Aditya wrote the love story between an American man and an Indian woman. He wanted Cruise to play the male lead in DDLJ, but his father, director and producer Yash Chopra, advised him to make the characters non-resident Indians.
Reportedly, Cruise had also asked for a whopping amount to be a part of the venture, which was not feasible for the production house.
Later, the makers also considered Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan for the role. After denials from the actors, when the makers approached SRK, he was sceptical about being its part. Not once or twice, he rejected the offer four times. Ultimately, the role landed with SRK and the rest is history. After the phenomenal success of DDLJ, SRK never looked back. Also starring Kajol, DDLJ still holds the record of the longest-running movie in Indian cinema's history.
Salman Khan's 'Maine Pyar Kiya' look was inspired by Tom Cruise!
Salman Khan made his acting debut with Biwi Ho To Aisi in 1988. But, it was Sooraj Barjatya's Maine Pyar Kiya, that emerged as Salman Khan's breakthrough into Bollywood. The movie is still remembered as a memorable tale of love and friendship. Also starring Bhagyashree, Sallu rose to fame and won the audience's hearts with 'Maine Pyar Kiya.'
Maine Pyar Kiya became a cult film and inspired a massive sale of film merchandise and props. Even the characters' looks became iconic. But, did you know, one of Salman's looks was inspired by Tom Cruise's character in Top Gun?
Reportedly, Sooraj Barjatya loved Tom Cruise's cool patchwork jacket in 1986's Top Gun. The patches were actually logos and emblems of the American Army, Navy and Air Force insignia, and other badges from the defence forces. Sooraj Barjatya loved the jacket so much that he designed a similar one for Salman in Maine Pyar Kiya.
Bhaijaan's jacket also had similar insignias pasted on it. While Tom Cruise made the jacket popular among his Western fans, the popularity of the jackets in India is credited to Sallu. The actor looked quite handsome in the jacket, and a mass of youths copied the style at the time.