Anil Kapoor refused 'Chaalbaaz' opposite Sridevi as his role wasn't meaty enough?

The actor reveals that he was the first choice to play the lead in 1989 blockbuster 'Chaalbaaz' opposite Sridevi.

Mumbai: Anil Kapoor has revealed that he was offered to play one of the male leads opposite Sridevi in the 1989 blockbuster 'Chaalbaaz', which had the late actor in a double role. The male leads in the film were finally played by Sunny Deol and Rajinikanth. 

"Srideviji was a complete entertainer, she could fill the screen with her powerful persona. When I was offered 'Chalbaaz', I thought what will I get to do in front of Srideviji, who is doing everything in her double role. 

"As an artist I felt a bit hesitant, so I refused the movie. She created magic on screen the way she portrayed the double role with finesse, which nobody could match," Kapoor said on Star Plus reality show "Dance+4" which paid a tribute to Sridevi.

Sridevi, who married Anil's elder brother, producer Boney Kapoor, frequently collaborated with her brother-in-law, including the sci-fi cult classic 'Mr India' but Kapoor's favourite Sridevi film is 'Sadma'. He believes she should have won a National film award for her role in the movie.

"Her brilliant act in 'Sadma' will always remain unmatched. Some movies and actors live forever and Srideviji unparalleled act in 'Sadma' is one of them," he said.