Any project rightfully belongs to the actors who have worked in them. However many a times, stars have passed on some iconic roles for reasons like scheduling conflicts or lack of interest. In hindsight, some of them probably regret their choices after seeing those projects becoming a rage with the audiences.
Here’s a list of eleven popular stars who turned down these super successful projects.
Humayun Saeed – Humsafar & Pyaray Afzal
Humayun Saeed, who busted all TRP charts with his last outing, Mere Paas Tum Ho, revealed in an interview for the promotions of Punjab Nahi Jaungi, that he regrets refusing Fawad Khan’s role in Sarmad Khoosat’s Humsafar. Humsafar became an instant hit when it aired in 2011 and brought in the leading couple, Mahira and Fawad immense love and appreciation, not only in Pakistan, but from across the border too. Humayun also turned down the offer of starring in Nadeem Baig’s Pyaray Afzal, the actor decided to produce it rather and got on board Hamza Ali Abbasi for the same role.
Mahira Khan – Ainee Ki Ayegi Baraat
Mahira Khan was offered the titular role in Ainee Ki Ayegi Baraat, but she turned it down for being a multi-starrer, the character then fell in the lap of her Humsafar co-star, Naveen Waqar who agreed to do the part. The acclaimed series broke all records of ratings and also catapulted Naveen to stardom.
Hira Mani – Dilruba
After the success of Do Bol, Hira Mani was flooded with offers, surprisingly she was offered two big projects, Dilruba and Kashf at the same time from the same production house and she chose the latter. Dilruba’s script didn’t appeal her therefore she rejected it. Hira stated that she wants her characters to be different from her previous ones and that they should have a message for the viewers.
Fawad Khan – Pyaray Afzal & Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu
Fawad Khan was the first choice for Pyaray Afzal but he had to reject the offer for his Bollywood debut, Khoobsurat opposite Sonam Kapoor. Khan was also the first choice for playing the role of Ibad (Aabi) in Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu after Humsafar’s success. Penned by Farhat Ishtiaq, of Bin Roye fame, Fawad could not be part of the project because he was not in the country and could not get the visa on time.
Ayeza Khan – Ishq Zahe Naseeb
Before Yumna Zaidi’s entry in Farooq Rind’s Ishq Zah-e-Naseeb, the role of Shakra was offered to Ayeza Khan and Neelam Munir but they turned it down as the other female character essayed by Sonya Hussyn had more screen-time.
Sonya Hussyn – Mere Paas Tum Ho
Sonya Hussyn was the first choice for playing the role of Mehwish in Mere Pass Tum Ho which was later played by Ayeza Khan. The producer of the play Humayun Saeed shared in an interview that initially he wanted to cast Aisha Khan in the role but she got married and left showbiz. Sonya was the next choice for playing the role. She however refused to play the role because she did not want to play a character that portrayed the female protagonist in a negative light.
Mere Pass Tum Ho was a massive hit but Sonya does not regret her decision at all. She shared in an interview that her decision was well-thought-out.
Sohai Ali Abro – Chupke Chupke
Sohai Ali Abro was the first choice and the actor had even shot a few scenes for the drama before the shoot was halted due to Covid-19 and lockdowns. Later, Abro had to exit the show due to personal reasons. The role was later played by Ayeza khan and netizens were divided over Ayeza’s casting in the show.
Mikaal Zulfiqar – Udaari
Mikaal Zulfiqar was offered the role of Imtiaz in Udaari but the actor refused it as it was out of his comfort zone. The character of a child molester was later performed by Ahsan Khan and made him win all the best actor awards the same year.
Mohsin Abbas Haider – Khaani
Khaani turned out to be a game-changer for Feroze Khan but it was previously offered to Mohsin Abbas Haider who confessed the same in an interview.
Kubra Khan – Mushk
Kubra was being selective when she turned down three projects in a row, Mere Paas Tum Ho, Mushk and even Alif. Although Kubra ended up doing Alif and even gained critical acclaim for her performance. She refused Mushk after the project went through a script change and was replaced by Momal Sheikh in the show. Kubra was also offered Hira Mani’s role in Mere Paas Tum Ho but she turned it down as it was a supporting character.
