It is well known in the film industry that Salman Khan once rejected two iconic roles in 1993’s Baazigar and 2002’s Devdas. Both films later went to Shah Rukh Khan and became major box office successes.
While this fact is not new, the reason behind Salman’s decision is resurfacing online. The old explanation has once again sparked debate among Bollywood audiences.
In an interview from the early 2000s with journalist Subhash K. Jha, Salman explained why he chose to walk away from these projects. He was asked whether he regretted missing out on Devdas.
Salman clearly stated that he did not regret his decision. He said he did not want to play characters that could influence the younger generation in a negative way.
He added that the same reasoning applied to Baazigar as well. According to Salman, he wanted to avoid portraying characters who take extreme steps in love, such as suicide, as it could set wrong examples.
These remarks are now resurfacing on social media. Many users believe the timing aligns with the upcoming release of Salman’s war drama Battle of Galwan, scheduled for April 17, 2026.
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film features Salman as Indian Army officer Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu. The character led the 16 Bihar Regiment during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with Chinese troops.
Social media reactions to the resurfaced interview have been mixed. Several fans praised Salman for taking responsibility while choosing roles, especially considering his massive young fan base.
Others questioned whether the comments were indirectly aimed at Shah Rukh Khan’s films. Some suggested that the remarks were being highlighted now to stir controversy before an important release.
A few users also pointed out the irony by referring to Salman’s 2003 film Tere Naam. In the film, his character Radhe displays obsessive behaviour in love.
However, in the same interview, Salman clarified that audiences should not follow Radhe’s actions. He stated that viewers should learn from the character’s mistakes rather than repeat them.
Some users even accused the person who reposted the interview clip of spreading negativity ahead of the film’s release. They questioned the intent behind reviving the old statement now.
Whether it is a negative PR push or simply a career throwback, Salman Khan’s influence on generations of youth remains undeniable. With Battle of Galwan focusing on a recent historic event, fans are hopeful the actor will make a strong impact once again.
