5 Bollywood Actors who were Controversially Axed From Films

The casting of Bollywood actors in high-profile films isn’t always smooth sailing. 

In September 2025, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD (2024) announced that Deepika Padukone had been dropped from reprising her role in a sequel to the blockbuster.

An official statement said: “This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways.

“Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership.

“And a film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more.”

This raised controversy surrounding Deepika’s commitment to her work, with fans debating the topic on social media.

However, Deepika’s Kalki case is only one of several similar scenarios in which actors found themselves dropped from projects.

DESIblitz lists five Bollywood actors who were controversially axed from particular movies.

Madhubala – Naya Daur (1957)

In the 1950s, Dilip Kumar and Madhubala were one of the most popular on-screen couples in the industry.

During the making of their film Tarana (1951), this equation stretched beyond the camera, as the pair fell in love.

They appeared in several more films together in the decade.

Everything was as romantic as their songs together, until BR Chopra cast Madhubala opposite Dilip Sahab in his upcoming Naya Daur.

Chopra planned an outdoor shoot, which Madhubala’s strict father, Ataullah Khan, rejected.

The situation got messy, but Madhubala was not one to defy her father, to whom she felt she owed her success.

A furious BR Chopra took the actress to court. Madhubala was devastated when the love of her life – Dilip Sahab – testified against her.

Madhubala was subsequently axed from Naya Daur, and Vyjayanthimala replaced her in the film.

Dilip Sahab and Madhubala still had to finish work on Mughal-E-Azam (1960). 

Ironically, some of the film’s most romantic scenes were shot when the former couple weren’t even on speaking terms.

Their relationship reached an end. While Madhubala went on to marry Kishore Kumar, Dilip Sahab later found love in Saira Banu. 

Dev Anand – Teesri Manzil (1966)

Following the success of Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961), the filmmaker Nasir Hussain and Dev Anand decided to collaborate again on Teesri Manzil.

Alongside Teesri Manzil, Nasir Sahab was also producing Baharon Ke Sapne (1967).

This film was to be directed by Vijay Anand and starred the then-newcomer Rajesh Khanna in the lead role.

However, everything changed at the veteran star Sadhana’s engagement party.

In 2016, Nasir Sahab’s nephew, Aamir Khan, revealed why things soured.

He said: “Dev Sahab and Nasir Sahab came to blows. 

“Apparently, Nasir Sahab overheard Dev Sahab say, ‘Nasir is making a big colour film with me and he has given Vijay a black-and-white film with some new boy called Rajesh’.

“So, Nasir Sahab got very upset.”

This led to Nasir Sahab replacing Dev Sahab with Shammi Kapoor in Teesri Manzil.

Not only this, Nasir Sahab also had Vijay Anand direct Teesri Manzil, while he helmed Baharon Ke Sapne.

Aamir Khan – Darr (1993)

Despite the dismal performance of Parampara (1993), Aamir Khan and veteran director Yash Chopra reunited for Darr.

Yash Ji had signed Sunny Deol for the film’s main lead, Sunil Malhotra. Aamir was to play the anti-hero, Rahul Mehra.

However, problems arose when Aamir put forward a specific request to Yash Ji.

In an interview, he said: “Whenever I do a film that has multiple heroes, I request the director to narrate the script to us together.

“So, we are satisfied with our roles, and no problem will happen going forward.”

“For example, when Andaz Apna Apna was being made, Rajkumar Santoshi narrated the script to me and Salman Khan together.

“In this case, that was not possible. Yash Ji did not feel that he should have to give a joint narration.

“So, on that basis, I was removed from the project.”

Aamir’s loss turned out to be Shah Rukh Khan’s gain. Darr is one of the actor’s most popular films.

However, Aamir’s intuition turned out to be somewhat prophetic.

Following the release of Darr, Sunny was displeased as he felt he had been overshadowed by SRK.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Chalte Chalte (2003)

In Aziz Mirza’s Chalte Chalte, Rani Mukerji was not the original choice for the female lead.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was initially signed. The actress was dating Salman Khan at that time.

Opposite Aishwarya in the film was Shah Rukh Khan, who was also producing the movie.

Salman allegedly wasn’t happy with his then-girlfriend’s pairing with SRK.

The Maine Pyaar Kiya star reportedly turned up at the sets of Chalte Chalte and caused a commotion.

Seeing the drama unfold, SRK stepped forward and tried to pacify Salman. 

However, Salman apparently turned on Shah Rukh, going to the extent of grabbing his collar.

After this, SRK dropped Aishwarya from Chalte Chalte, bringing Rani onboard instead.

As Salman and Aishwarya’s relationship deteriorated, relations between SRK and Salman broke down too.

Over the years, however, the two stars have patched things up and share a cordial friendship once again.

Rekha – Fitoor (2016)

Before Tabu stepped into the shoes of Fitoor‘s Begum Hazrat Jahaan, Rekha was signed to play the domineering character.

However, due to reported creative differences, the veteran actress was dropped from the film.

Director Abhishek Kapoor claimed it was a mutual decision, and said:

“During the course of the film, we saw things differently.

“We felt that it’s best not to do this film together.

“We can work on something else in the future.

“[Rekha] is a reserved and private person.

“She is not going to stand up and say things to safeguard her own interest.”

When Bollywood actors get cast in certain projects, it can be exciting and interesting for the industry as well as fans.

However, sometimes when things do not materialise, there can be several controversial reasons behind it.

The Bollywood gossip tongues love to start wagging when this happens.

However, in many cases, such events lead to the betterment of the film. 

While it would be nice for us to see our favourite Bollywood actors in certain films, it is important to remember that these plans can change as any other.