Aamir Khan rejected Josh movie role after being considered for the lead by director Mansoor Khan, who ultimately cast Shah Rukh Khan as Max in the 2000 film. The decision, along with Aamir Khan’s later admission of disliking the finished movie, revealed the complex casting dynamics behind the now beloved drama set among siblings, with Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan in key roles.
Initial Casting Decisions for Josh
The film Josh, directed by Mansoor Khan, was created with both his cousin Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in mind. Aamir was originally viewed as a candidate for the romantic lead opposite a yet-to-be-cast actress, while Shah Rukh Khan was considered for the character of Max. Despite not being a box office sensation, Josh has since become cherished by fans for its dynamic cast, compelling story, music, and standout performances.
Mansoor Khan shared that both Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were interested in the part of Max. When the script was presented, the narration was done without specifying which actor would assume which role, which led to assumptions and expectations in the casting process.
Aamir Khan’s Reaction to the Film
Aamir Khan’s feelings toward the project went beyond simply turning it down. Years after its release, he watched Josh and strongly disliked it, leading to a frank conversation between the actor and the director.
“He [Aamir Khan] saw it at that time and said he hated it,”
—Mansoor Khan, Director. Following this, Mansoor Khan himself avoided watching his own film for more than a decade, feeling disappointed and somewhat disillusioned by the process. As he reflected later, he came to appreciate the film’s qualities and even encouraged Aamir to revisit Josh when enough time had passed and “the wounds were still fresh.”
“So I said, okay, fine. I was pretty disillusioned after that, too. I didn’t watch it again for 15, maybe 17 years. And, I finally saw it about eight years ago, and honestly, I feel it’s not a bad film. I told Aamir, ‘You should see it now. ’ I said, ‘See, back then, the wounds were still fresh’.”
—Mansoor Khan, Director
Unfolding the Casting Dynamics
Describing the steps he took after his earlier collaboration with Aamir Khan on Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Mansoor Khan recounted how the Josh script was primarily built around both Aamir and Shah Rukh. However, Aamir, when hearing the script without any clear assignment of roles, assumed he might play Max. Mansoor noted his hesitation, choosing not to clarify immediately and instead waiting to see how responses would play out, stating that he never intended for Aamir to portray Max, instead being curious about the decisions the actors would make.
“But when I narrated it to Aamir, I didn’t specify who would play which role. So he started imagining that he’d be playing Max. I thought, ‘Oh no, now what do I do?’ In my head, I was like, okay, don’t jump the gun. Let me see what Shah Rukh says first. Not that I ever intended to give Max’s role to Aamir, honestly — I just wanted to see how the cards would fall.”
—Mansoor Khan, Director
How Shah Rukh Khan Landed the Role of Max
Mansoor Khan also described his meeting with Shah Rukh Khan, who, upon hearing the script, immediately became enthusiastic and began suggesting ideas for his character. Despite this enthusiasm, Shah Rukh Khan initially believed that Aamir would ultimately take the role of Max, only for Aamir to later decide to step away from the project.
“I hadn’t really known how to respond to that, so I just left it there and didn’t say anything.”
—Mansoor Khan, Director
When Aamir Khan finally clarified his decision, he communicated that he was uninterested in the role, seeking a break from the kind of soft, romantic characters he had frequently portrayed. His recent stint in Rangeela, where he played a more streetwise character, influenced this choice, and he wanted to continue diversifying his acting image.
The Director’s Take on Casting and Character Fit
Mansoor Khan reflected that, even after the casting discussions and years since the film’s release, he only ever saw Shah Rukh Khan as the true Max. For the director, Shah Rukh embodied the unique qualities needed for Max, including the right blend of charm, danger, humor, and charisma, making him irreplaceable in that role.
“No, no, I don’t want to play this role.”
—Aamir Khan, Actor
“In my mind, even to this day, there’s only one Max, and that’s Shah Rukh. He’s got that panache, the humour, and that underlying threat needed for the role. He is a charismatic guy.”
—Mansoor Khan, Director
The Legacy of Josh and its Creative Team
Prior to Josh, Aamir Khan and Mansoor Khan enjoyed tremendous success with Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar in 1992, another film centered on intense performances and memorable roles. Although Aamir did not join the cast of Josh, the film’s unique narrative about siblings, performed by Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai, secured its place in the hearts of fans and contributed to the ongoing legacies of those involved. The narrative surrounding Aamir Khan rejected Josh movie role remains a notable example of how casting choices can deeply influence both the lives of the key entities in Bollywood and the final outcome of beloved films.
