THIS Ek Tha Tiger actor turned down Tiger Zinda Hai but returned in Tiger 3 'out of anger'!

Yash Raj Films' Spy Universe, kickstarted with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif-led Ek Tha Tiger, has become one of India’s biggest cinematic franchises. But behind its glossy success, lies an intriguing story, Ranvir Shorey, who played the much-loved Gopi in the first film, turned down Tiger Zinda Hai but surprisingly agreed to return in Tiger 3, and that too, as he says, 'out of anger'.

Why Ranvir Shorey Rejected Tiger Zinda Hai

During a recent conversation with Digital Commentary, Shorey explained his decision to step away from the 2017 sequel.

“After Tiger, YRF offered me Tiger 2 as well. But the issue was that the role was smaller than the prequel. This was despite Yash Chopra and Salim Khan appreciating my work in the first film. When I received the script, I noticed my role and fee were both reduced. My logic was, if my work is being appreciated, both my screen time and fees should increase. They said, ‘This is all we can offer.’ After that, I turned it down," he revealed.

Ranvir Shorey With Salman Khan in Ek Tha Tiger

Gopi’s Return in Tiger 3 With an Ending

Years later, when YRF began work on Tiger 3 in 2023, Shorey was approached again. But this time, the offer came with a twist that left him frustrated.

He recalled, “When the time came to make Tiger 3, Girish Karnad had passed away. So, after him, I was the only one left from Tiger’s original team. They approached me again, but with the same issue. I was like, ‘You are asking me to return just to kill my character?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ This angered me. I took up the role in anger, ‘Theek hai mai apne character ko maut dene aajaunga (I’ll come just to kill my character). If this is what you have reduced my character to, then let him die.’"

Money Was Better, But the Role Still Hurt

Although Shorey admitted that the financial side was 'decent' this time, he made it clear that his decision wasn’t driven by money.

“This time they offered me decent money. It was not great, but decent. I solely went to kill my character in the film. His death reminded me of the ending of the first film," he added.