In recent times, there has been a massive debate about the performance of Bollywood movies vs. South Films. In midst of which industry is better, there are many South Indian actors who have rejected Bollywood projects. Wondering who they are? Scroll down to read about the South Indian actors who allegedly rejected the Bollywood movies.
Talented South Indian Actors Who Rejected Bollywood Films
1. Puneeth Rajkumar
Late Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar was one of the most loved Kannada actors. As per sources, he was offered Bajrangi Bhaijaan. But, as he wasn’t impressed with the role, he rejected it.
2. Yash
Recently, Actor Yash, who still hasn’t signed his next project since the release of KGF: Chapter 2, which came out last year, is said to have been approached for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming magnum opus Ramayan, based on the Indian epic. It will reportedly feature Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, and Alia Bhatt as Sita. Yash was offered the role of Raavan, but he has turned it down, as per a report.
As per a report by News18, Yash is aware of expectations from his fans, who don’t want him to take up a negative character. “Yash is very mindful of what his fans want and, right now, they definitely will not accept him in a negative role. He has always believed in his fans and gone by their sentiments so he will not be taking up this role,” a source was quoted in the report.
3. Fahadh Faasil
Known as the USP of many Malayalam projects, Fahadh Faasil has never left his audience disappointed. In the past, Fahadh Faasil shared that he cannot speak Hindi and he sees language as a barrier. It was rumored that Vishal Bhardwaj offered him a movie. However, for unknown reasons, the project did not materialize.
4. Anushka Shetty
Anushka Shetty earned nationwide recognition after SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali. As per rumors, she was offered multiple Bollywood movies after Baahubali turned into a blockbuster. It was mentioned that she rejected Rohit Shetty’s Singham in 2011. The role later went to Kajal Aggarwal.
5. Mahesh Babu
One of the most popular South Indian male actor Mahesh Babu has a cult fan following in Tollywood. Debuted at the age of 4, Mahesh worked in many movies and touched millions of hearts. From time to time, Mahesh Babu has made it clear that he wants to stay in Tollywood. As per Siasat, Mahesh Babu was offered Animal, Ghajini, and Karan Johar’s untitled. But, he rejected all the Bollywood projects.
6. Rashmika Mandanna
As per sources, the national crush, Rashmika Mandanna was offered Jersey against Shahid Kapoor. But, she rejected the role. While talking to the media about her decision to reject the movie, she said, “I got that opportunity because of the choices I have made till now. I don’t think this choice is going to go bad. ‘Jersey’ needs a lot of you. It is almost realistic. Right now, only doing commercial films, I am going insane. Imagine doing something like ‘Jersey’ and not being able to pull it off.”
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Talented South Indian Actors Who Rejected Bollywood Films
7. Darshan
Darshan, a famous Kannada actor, was offered the role of antagonist in Salman Khan starrer Dabangg 3. But, he rejected the role, which later went to Sudeep.
8. Nayanthara
As per various sources, it was rumored that Nayanthara rejected a special appearance in Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express. She could have shared the screen space with Shah Rukh Khan in a song named ‘One two three four get on the dance floor’, but she refused. The role was later offered to Priyamani.
9. Allu Arjun
Not just Puneeth Rajkumar, as per rumors, even Allu Arjun was offered Salman Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan. But, he rejected the movie. Later the movie went to Salman Khan and the rest is history. As per sources, he was also offered Ranveer Singh starrer 83, but he refused. In one of his interviews, he mentioned that he declined several Bollywood projects as he was not impressed by the role he was offered. He further added that he would not accept any role that will be a second lead to the hero.
