As Anil Kapoor’s political thriller Nayak completes 24 years, the veteran actor has peeled back the curtain on one of Bollywood’s best-known ‘what if’ casting stories. In a recent interview, Kapoor disclosed that both Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were initially approached to play the role of Shivaji Rao—a television journalist who becomes Chief Minister for a day—before he eventually stepped into the part that would go on to define his career in a new light.
Why Were SRK and Aamir Khan the First Choices?
The revelation isn’t entirely new to industry insiders, but Kapoor’s candid retelling adds texture to the decision-making of the early 2000s. At the time, Shah Rukh Khan was the undisputed king of romance, coming off massive successes like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and DDLJ, while Aamir had cemented his reputation as a serious, selective performer with films like Sarfarosh and Lagaan. Director S. Shankar, already a giant in Tamil cinema, wanted a pan-India face who could embody both mass appeal and intensity. Both Khans fit the bill—on paper.
How Did Anil Kapoor Convince the Makers?
Kapoor recalls that he was not the producers’ first—or even second—choice. But he had a trump card: belief. “I knew I had the hunger and the ability to pull this off,” Kapoor said in the interview. He actively pursued the role, meeting Shankar multiple times and even working on his look and body language beforehand to present a convincing prototype. It was this proactive hustle, coupled with his filmography of versatile performances in films like Tezaab and 1942: A Love Story, that eventually won over the team.
What Made ‘Nayak’ a Risk for Kapoor?
By 2001, Kapoor was already a respected name, but he was in a phase where big commercial successes had been sporadic. Taking on a film originally designed for younger superstars was a gamble. Moreover, Nayak was a high-concept film with sharp political commentary—a genre that was still finding its feet in mainstream Hindi cinema. Kapoor took the risk, recognizing the script’s potential to resonate with an India increasingly disillusioned with corruption.
How Did the Film Reshape His Career?
Nayak wasn’t a blockbuster on release, but it gained a formidable second life through television reruns and word-of-mouth. For Kapoor, it reaffirmed his ability to shoulder a film as a solo lead in an industry increasingly dominated by the Khans and a new generation of actors. More importantly, it showcased his adaptability—moving from dramatic roles to action and socio-political narratives without losing his core appeal. The film’s dialogues, especially “Aaj main CM banta hoon,” became part of pop culture lexicon.
Why Does the Film Still Resonate Today?
Even after 24 years, Nayak feels startlingly relevant. Its themes of media integrity, political accountability, and public awakening mirror contemporary debates. In an era of hyper-polarized news and growing public distrust in institutions, Shivaji Rao’s journey from journalist to accidental leader strikes a chord. The film’s critique of opportunism and corruption feels just as sharp today—perhaps even more so.
What Does This Revelation Say About Bollywood’s Casting Culture?
Kapoor’s disclosure is a reminder of how fluid and often unpredictable casting decisions were—and still are—in the industry. Stars rise, fade, or reinvent; scripts change hands; and sometimes, the actor who wasn’t the first choice ends up making the role immortal. It also underscores Kapoor’s underrated resilience—a career built not on luck, but on persistence and the wisdom to recognize opportunities where others saw risk.
As Nayak celebrates its 24th anniversary, it’s clear the film is more than a nostalgic milestone. It’s a testament to what happens when conviction meets opportunity—and a reminder that in Bollywood, the best choice isn’t always the first one.
