Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2018 period drama Padmaavat is still remembered for its grandeur and powerful performances. While Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Alauddin Khilji received widespread acclaim, few may know that Shah Rukh Khan was initially considered for the role. Rumors from the time suggested that Khan had been approached for the part but opted out of the film, reportedly after requesting a change in the title. Sources at the time claimed he believed his fans might not resonate with a film that carried the name of the female lead.Recently, a resurfaced video interview of Shah Rukh Khan with film critic Anupama Chopra has rekindled the discussion around his decision. Shared by Twitter user @thoughtsofshah with the caption “the real reason,” the video features Khan opening up about his discomfort with portraying morally questionable characters on screen. In the interview, he said, “I realised that I am playing a real-life character and I told this the director that there is no way I will not make him likeable… and I just felt that the person should not be liked.”
Although Khan did not name any particular film, fans online quickly speculated that this might be the underlying reason he let go of the role of Alauddin Khilji—a historically controversial figure often portrayed with shades of cruelty.
Social media users found the theory convincing and began drawing their own conclusions. One fan commented, “He explained his reason so perfectly,” while another wrote, “That’s why we loved him as Don,” suggesting that Khan’s careful consideration in selecting roles is part of what makes him appealing to audiences. The interview dates back to 2017, just a year before Padmaavat was released, further fueling speculation.
Though Khan never directly addressed Padmaavat in his interview, the resurfaced footage has added depth to public understanding of his career choices.
Although Khan did not name any particular film, fans online quickly speculated that this might be the underlying reason he let go of the role of Alauddin Khilji—a historically controversial figure often portrayed with shades of cruelty.
Shah Rukh Khan tells the real reason with clarity on why he didn't do Padmaavat which was offered to him
byu/Dwight_Kramer inBollyBlindsNGossip
Social media users found the theory convincing and began drawing their own conclusions. One fan commented, “He explained his reason so perfectly,” while another wrote, “That’s why we loved him as Don,” suggesting that Khan’s careful consideration in selecting roles is part of what makes him appealing to audiences. The interview dates back to 2017, just a year before Padmaavat was released, further fueling speculation.
Following Shah Rukh Khan’s reported exit, the role of Khilji was handed to Ranveer Singh, who went on to deliver a dark and intense performance that became one of the film’s highlights. Singh starred alongside Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in the film, which is based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat.
Though Khan never directly addressed Padmaavat in his interview, the resurfaced footage has added depth to public understanding of his career choices.
