When Hema Malini Almost Rejected Shah Rukh Khan’s First-Ever Film Audition

Shah Rukh Khan is a globally renowned superstar and his stardom knows no bounds. Many monikers like King Khan, Baadshah of Bollywood and Last of the Superstars are used for him. He is revered by his huge fan following. Did you know that his stardom almost slipped through the cracks when he was initially rejected from his first project by none other than the Dreamgirl of Bollywood Hema Malini? This is a lesser-known chapter in the history of Shah Rukh Khan’s stardom and we are here to tell you about it today.

Die-hard fans of Shah Rukh Khan would know that the actor made a successful transition from television to the big screen through Hema Malini’s directorial venture, Dil Aashna Hai. Shah Rukh Khan’s early days in television caught Hema Malini’s keen eye for talent and she decided to bring him on board for the new face she was looking for to appear in Dil Aashna Hai. It was during the auditions that things initially went south.

According to an excerpt from Hema Malini’s biography, Shah Rukh Khan was unimpressive in his first audition as his nervousness had gotten the better of him, and his replies were incoherent and breathless. His hair falling over his face was a letdown as well. Hema Malini rejected his first audition and asked him to try again, this time with his hair gelled back and his colourful jacket in place of his plain t-shirt.

Shah Rukh Khan grabbed the second chance and performed way better. Hema Malini was convinced but just to be doubly sure, had him meet Dharmendra for a second opinion. Dharmendra instantly took a liking to the future superstar, and he was given the part.

Dil Aashna Hai was made with Shah Rukh Khan and Divya Bharati. Though the film itself did average business, Shah Rukh Khan was noticed and immediately offered Deewana, once again opposite Divya Bharati. Soon, a string of films followed. Then Darr and Baazigar happened, which shaped Shah Rukh Khan’s future. The rest is history.

When Hema Malini’s guru reportedly saw Shah Rukh Khan’s photo for the first time, it was stated that he made the accurate prediction that he was destined for greatness and would be a game-changer in the industry. It goes without saying that the prophecy has come true and how.