Mahesh Babu‘s recent ‘Bollywood cannot afford me’ comment has caused quite a stir, with people heavily trolling him on social media.
“I did get a lot of offers in Hindi, but I don’t think they can afford me. I don’t want to waste my time working in an industry which can’t afford me. The stardom and the respect I get here (in South) is huge, so I never really thought of leaving my industry and going to some other industry. I have always thought of doing films and becoming bigger. My dream is coming true now and I can’t be happier,” the Telugu actor had said during a recent event.
After receiving backlash, he issued a clarification, saying, “Mahesh has clarified that he loves cinema and respects all languages. He said he is comfortable doing the film where he has been working. Mahesh said he is happy to see his dream coming true as Telugu cinema is going places.”
The ‘Pokiri’ actor was reportedly the first choice of many Bollywood movies, including Sandeep Vanga’s upcoming movie ‘Animal.’ However, he rejected all of them. He is not the only actor who has refused to act in Bollywood movies in the past. Let’s look at five other actors who have rejected roles in Bollywood.
1. Allu Arjun
The ‘Pushpa‘ actor was initially approached for the role of Pawan in Kabir Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’. He rejected the role due to his busy schedule and it was then offered to superstar Salman Khan.
2. Nayanthara
Nayanthara has time and again refused to be a part of several hit Bollywood movies. She also refused to be a part of the song ‘One Two Three Four’ in Rohit Shetty‘s ‘Chennai Express’.
3. Yash
Yash, who is currently creating waves with his power-packed performance in ‘KGF’, was the first choice for ‘Laal Kaptaan.’ The role went to Saif Ali Khan after he declined the offer.
4. Anushka Shetty
The ‘Baahubali’ actor rejected Rohit Shetty’s Singham back in 2011 and the role eventually went to Kajal.
5. Darshan
The Kannada actor rejected the role of the villain in Salman Khan’s ‘Dabangg 3’. His colleague Sudeep played the role and nailed it.
