Tom Cruise and 'DDLJ': The Unfulfilled Dream that Became Hindi Cinema’s Unicorn

It's widely known that Tom Cruise was approached to play Raj in the iconic Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDLJ). However, the story is much more interesting than just that fact. Let's explore the details and reasons behind this potential casting.

Tom Cruise as the First Choice for Raj Malhotra

Aditya Chopra, the visionary and son of legendary director Yash Chopra, had his heart set on featuring Tom Cruise in the role of Raj Malhotra. The idea was to create an Indo-American love story, a fresh and modern concept for Bollywood at the time. His choice was strategic, given the popularity of Tom Cruise and the success of his films, such as 'The Firm,' which had been well-received in Mumbai in 1993.

The Dream That Got Too Big

Aditya Chopra's dream, however, faced major hurdles. Tom Cruise demanded an astronomical fee of around 8 million dollars, or approximately 28 crores INR, which was nearly 90% of the YRF budget. This was a significant portion of the budget, making it nearly impossible to accommodate such a request. Additionally, Yash Chopra, the patriarch of the family, had a specific vision for the film and was not keen on a white-skinned lead actor after a previous bad experience with a Western actor's portrayal in one of his movies.

The Decision That Changed Everything

In the end, it was Shah Rukh Khan (popularly known as SRK) who was chosen to play the role of Raj Malhotra. This decision proved to be a game-changer for the film, as it became one of the most iconic and beloved Bollywood films. SRK's portrayal as Raj Malhotra and Kajol's portrayal as Simran are unforgettable and have become synonymous with love and romance in Bollywood.

The Impact of 'DDLJ'

The impact of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge on Hindi cinema and Indian pop culture has been immense. Since its release, the film has been re-released multiple times and continues to be a hit. The Maratha Mandir in Mumbai, where it has been running for over 1009 weeks since 1995, is a testament to its enduring popularity.

Box Office Success and Awards

The film's box office success was massive. It earned approximately 1.06 billion INR (around 32,766,000 USD in 1995) in India and 160 million INR (around 4,946,000 USD in 1995) overseas. This made it a huge international hit as well.

Recognition from Critics and Audiences

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge won a record 10 Filmfare Awards, the most for a single film at that time. The film also received the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, celebrating its unique and beautiful narrative. Its soundtrack album became one of the most popular of the 1990s, with several tracks still cherished by fans today.

Other Potential Actors

While Aditya Chopra's initial choice of Tom Cruise was not realized, it's worth noting that he also considered other actors for the role, including Saif Ali Khan. Neither of these high-profile actors was ultimately chosen, leading to the iconic pairing of SRK and Kajol.

Conclusion

While Tom Cruise's participation in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge was more of a "what if" scenario, the film's eventual success and enduring legacy are a testament to the vision and skill of the filmmakers. This dream of a international star playing the lead was a missed opportunity, but the actual casting of SRK and Kajol made for an unforgettable experience that still resonates with audiences decades later.