The significance of 2003's satirical comedy-drama film Munna Bhai MBBS in Sanjay Dutt's career is well known to everyone. The film's success helped to shift the narrative surrounding Dutt and showcased his versatility as an actor. The movie presented him but as an actor capable of bringing depth and emotion to his roles. But, it is a well-known fact that Shah Rukh Khan was approached to play the titular character before Dutt. But, did you know why SRK turned down the offer?
Why SRK couldn't do the Film?
During a recent with interview Siddharth Kanan, actor Makrand Deshpande revealed that SRK was going through a shoulder injury at the time for which he couldn't do the film.
When the Jawan actor turned down the offer, the role eventually landed with Sanjay Dutt.
Not Arshad Warsi, Makrand was Roped in to Play Circuit!
During the interview, Makrand also revealed that he had worked on some scenes of Munna Bhai MBBS. He also did some improvisation in his character. He further revealed that the makers had recorded a song with his voice. However, he had to walk out of the movie citing date issues.
Makrand said that Hirani had asked him for 56 days, which he couldn't manage.
"It was really wrong on my part. I was thinking of making a film at that time. In my life, I just have always known that my time is really important and not who is giving me what role and what will that role do for me because popularity, fame, money had never been a question for me," he said.
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Paresh Rawal not the First Choice as Sunil Dutt in Sanjay Dutt's Biopic Sanju!
Sanjay Dutt's biopic Sanju, starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead emerged as a blockbuster. While RK was showered with praises, Paresh Rawal was flooded with appreciation for his stellar performance as Sunil Dutt. But did you know even Paresh Rawal was not the first choice to play the late actor and politician Sunil Dutt's character?
Reportedly, Hirani wanted Aamir Khan to play Sanjay Dutt's father in the film. Though Hirani and Aamir had previously worked on two blockbusters namely 3 Idiots and PK, but this time the actor said no to the filmmaker. Interestingly, Aamir loved the script but he wanted to play Sanjay Dutt's role, which of course he couldn't do because of Ranbir Kapoor. Then, he turned down Hirani's offer.
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Is Munna Bhai MBBS Copied From...
Written and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the movie significantly altered the public perception of Dutt as he was involved in several legal issues, including a tough-guy image before the movie. The film presented audiences with a new side to his acting prowess of Dutt and with his humour, warmth, and compassion, he resonated deeply with viewers.
However, many do not know that Munna Bhai MBBS bears similarities to 1998's Hollywood flick Patch Adam, starring Robin Williams in the lead.
Earlier, in a video posted by a user on social media, it is evident that numerous scenes from Munna Bhai MBBS bear a striking resemblance to those found in Patch Adams. The video left the internet distraught.