Did You Know Tom Cruise Was The First Choice For Raj In DDLJ?
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Yes, it’s true! Before Shah Rukh Khan became the heart-throb of millions as Raj in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), director Aditya Chopra actually had a different dream actor in mind — none other than Hollywood star Tom Cruise.
Released in 1995, DDLJ is a timeless Bollywood romance that continues to hold a special place in Indian cinema history. Directed by Aditya Chopra in his debut and produced by his legendary father Yash Chopra, the film follows the love story of two young non-resident Indians (NRIs), Raj and Simran, who fall in love on a trip across Europe. As love blossoms, the real drama begins when Raj tries to win over Simran’s conservative father who has already promised her to someone else.
The film’s charm lies not just in its heartfelt narrative and dreamy European backdrops, but in the iconic performances — especially by Shah Rukh Khan. But here’s the twist: he wasn’t Aditya’s original pick!
Tom Cruise as Raj? Yes, Really.
Aditya Chopra initially envisioned the film as a cross-cultural romance between an Indian girl and an American boy. And for the role of Raj, he had set his sights on Hollywood’s very own Tom Cruise. At the time, Cruise was already a major star with hits like Top Gun and A Few Good Men. The idea was bold — mixing Hollywood glamour with Indian tradition.
But Yash Chopra, the seasoned filmmaker and Aditya’s father, had a different vision. He felt a foreign actor might alienate Indian audiences and steered the project in a new direction. As a result, the characters were reimagined as NRIs — Indian by heart, even if raised abroad. And the role of Raj eventually went to Shah Rukh Khan, who went on to redefine romance for an entire generation.
From Bold Idea to Box Office Glory
Though Cruise never made it to the cast, DDLJ became a colossal success. It struck a chord with both Indian and international audiences, blending traditional family values with youthful rebellion and self-discovery. It ran for decades in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre and became one of only three Hindi films featured in the iconic book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
The film’s massive popularity even inspired filmmakers to tap into the overseas NRI audience, proving how one story — and one role — could change everything.
So the next time you rewatch DDLJ, just imagine for a moment: What if Raj had said “palat” with an American accent?
Released in 1995, DDLJ is a timeless Bollywood romance that continues to hold a special place in Indian cinema history. Directed by Aditya Chopra in his debut and produced by his legendary father Yash Chopra, the film follows the love story of two young non-resident Indians (NRIs), Raj and Simran, who fall in love on a trip across Europe. As love blossoms, the real drama begins when Raj tries to win over Simran’s conservative father who has already promised her to someone else.
The film’s charm lies not just in its heartfelt narrative and dreamy European backdrops, but in the iconic performances — especially by Shah Rukh Khan. But here’s the twist: he wasn’t Aditya’s original pick!
Tom Cruise as Raj? Yes, Really.
Aditya Chopra initially envisioned the film as a cross-cultural romance between an Indian girl and an American boy. And for the role of Raj, he had set his sights on Hollywood’s very own Tom Cruise. At the time, Cruise was already a major star with hits like Top Gun and A Few Good Men. The idea was bold — mixing Hollywood glamour with Indian tradition.
But Yash Chopra, the seasoned filmmaker and Aditya’s father, had a different vision. He felt a foreign actor might alienate Indian audiences and steered the project in a new direction. As a result, the characters were reimagined as NRIs — Indian by heart, even if raised abroad. And the role of Raj eventually went to Shah Rukh Khan, who went on to redefine romance for an entire generation.
From Bold Idea to Box Office Glory
Though Cruise never made it to the cast, DDLJ became a colossal success. It struck a chord with both Indian and international audiences, blending traditional family values with youthful rebellion and self-discovery. It ran for decades in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre and became one of only three Hindi films featured in the iconic book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
The film’s massive popularity even inspired filmmakers to tap into the overseas NRI audience, proving how one story — and one role — could change everything.
So the next time you rewatch DDLJ, just imagine for a moment: What if Raj had said “palat” with an American accent?
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