Mumbai, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Actor Avinash Wadhawan has reflected on the turning points in his Bollywood career, revealing that he turned down roles in two films that later became milestones for Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan. The actor also spoke candidly about personal setbacks and professional disappointments that, according to him, prevented him from reaching greater heights in the film industry.
In an interaction with IANS, Wadhawan said he was offered the lead roles in Phool Aur Kaante and Deewana, but declined both projects for personal reasons. Looking back, he described his career as a combination of destiny, circumstances and decisions that shaped his journey.
The actor also recalled that after working with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt in Junoon, he was offered another Bhatt film, Sir, opposite Pooja Bhatt. However, he claimed he lost the project due to what he described as manipulation by his then secretary.
Wadhawan further revealed that he had been finalised for the role eventually played by Akshaye Khanna in Border, but was dropped shortly before filming. He also shared that veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra had personally invited him to discuss a lead role in Yeh Dillagi, but he failed to reach the meeting on time, by which time the opportunity had passed.
Despite missing out on several high-profile films, Wadhawan said he enjoyed a successful run with several commercially successful projects directed by filmmakers including Mahesh Bhatt, Partho Ghosh, K.C. Bokadia, Lawrence D’Souza, Anil Ganguly and Ashok Gaikwad.
He noted that he shared screen space with many of the leading actresses of the era, including Pooja Bhatt, Ayesha Jhulka, Bhagyashree, Divya Bharti, Karisma Kapoor, Nagma and Madhoo. While some of his films performed strongly at the box office and others achieved moderate success, he believes his biggest setbacks were personal rather than professional.
Wadhawan admitted that emotional turmoil stemming from an unsettled marriage affected his ambition and decision-making, leading him to distance himself from Mumbai and make what he now considers poor career choices.
Known for films such as Aayee Milan Ki Raat, Meera Ka Mohan, Junoon, Geet, Balmaa, Dil Ki Baazi and Paapi Gudia, Wadhawan later established himself on television with roles in popular serials including Sapna Babul Ka… Bidaai, Balika Vadhu, Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg, Shobha Somnath Ki, Junoon – Aisi Nafrat Toh Kaisa Ishq, C.I.D. and Doli Armaano Ki.
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