Aamir Khan was offered Sunil Dutt's role, but was keen to play Sanjay Dutt

A few days ago, Rajkumar Hirani had confirmed to Outlook India magazine that he had offered late actor Sunil Dutt's role to actor Aamir Khan, but he turned it down politely. In a media interaction today, Khan spoke to a select media group about the upcoming film, Sanju.

Confirming that he was indeed offered the role of Sunil Dutt, Khan said, "He [Rajkumar Hirani] approached me with the script and I loved it. I think he has written it beautifully, and he said 'I want you to play Dutt saab's role'. Dutt saab's role is fantastic, but when you watch the film you will see that largely the film explores the relationship between a father and a son."

Khan was so fascinated by the script that he was keen on playing Sanjay Dutt.

"Sanju's role is unbelievable. As an actor, I told Raju that Sanjay's role is so good that it has won my heart and in this film, I can't do any other role but Sanjay Dutt's which I can't do because Ranbir [Kapoor] is doing [it]. So, don't offer me any other role because I won't be able to do it. I can't come to the set thinking that 'yeh lines meri honi chahiye' (these lines should have been mine)."

Khan has expressed confidence in Kapoor. “I am sure Ranbir has done a fab job. He is a fantastic actor. I can't wait to watch the film,” he said.

Khan and Hirani are very close and Khan has featured in the latter’s last two films — PK (2014) and 3 Idiots (2009). The Dangal (2016) actor also worked with Sanjay Dutt in PK. It may be recalled that Kapoor had a guest appearance in PK,  while both Kapoor and Khan were among the many actors who played themselves in a guest appearance in Luck By Chance (2009).

Sanju will be released on June 29.