Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan, two Bollywood superstars who both debuted in 1991, have had remarkably parallel career paths. Both actors consistently release multiple films every year and share a similar work ethic. They have also starred together in several films, including their latest, Singham Again, which unfortunately didn’t perform well at the box office.

However, a significant decision made by Akshay Kumar three decades ago played a crucial role in shaping Ajay Devgan’s career trajectory. It all comes down to Akshay saying “no” to a particular film, which ultimately opened the door for Ajay to claim a major hit.

Ajay Devgan’s debut film Phool Aur Kaante in 1991 was a massive success, followed by another hit, Jigar in 1992. But 1993 was a tough year for Ajay; every film he released flopped, and many feared his career might be over.

Things turned around in 1994 when Ajay got the chance to star in the film Dilwale, a romantic action drama that turned out to be a blockbuster. This film not only revived Ajay’s fortunes but also boosted the careers of co-stars Sunil Shetty and Raveena Tandon.

Interestingly, Dilwale was initially offered to Akshay Kumar, who declined due to scheduling conflicts. This refusal gave Ajay the opportunity that made him a star again. The film’s songs and story were widely loved, and it remains a popular movie even today.

Without Akshay’s decision to pass on Dilwale, Ajay Devgan’s comeback might never have happened, and the trajectory of his illustrious career could have been very different.