Salman Khan Rejected Mrunal Thakur for ‘Sultan’, Later Revealed the Shocking Reason on TV.

Salman Khan removed Mrunal Thakur from Sultan before casting Anushka Sharma. He revealed the shocking reason years later on Bigg Boss. Read the full untold story here.

A Dream Role That Slipped Away

Back in 2016, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was preparing for what would become one of his biggest films Sultan. The story needed a powerful female lead. Not just a pretty face, but someone who could embody strength, grit and the heart of a wrestler. The role almost went to a then upcoming actress Mrunal Thakur.

Yes, before Anushka Sharma came into the picture, the part was offered to Mrunal. She even visited Salman’s Panvel farmhouse to discuss the film. Everything seemed to be falling into place. For any newcomer sharing screen space with Salman Khan in a major production is a dream come true. But something happened something that would change the course of Mrunal’s career.

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Salman Said No , But Why?

Years later, on national TV during Bigg Boss, Salman himself revealed what really happened. Mrunal was considered seriously for Sultan. But according to him, she didn’t quite “look the part.” The role demanded a convincing female wrestler physically strong, tough, and intense. At that time, Salman felt Mrunal just didn’t match that vision. And that was it she was out.

No fights, no drama , just one quiet decision that made all the difference.

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Anushka Got the Role, and the Rest is History

Anushka Sharma stepped into the ring, literally and figuratively. She trained hard, transformed herself and gave the role everything she had. Her chemistry with Salman and the emotional depth she brought helped Sultan smash records at the box office. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film wasn’t just a hit , it was a phenomenon.

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Mrunal’s Setback, Anushka’s Rise and an Industry Truth

Mrunal didn’t let that rejection stop her. She kept working, kept pushing and later earned recognition on her own terms. But stories like this show just how fragile opportunities can be in Bollywood. One role, one meeting, one decision and everything changes.

Even in success, there’s a shadow of what could’ve been. And sometimes, the real story lies just outside the spotlight.