Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Aamir Khan Was Initially Set to Star in Swades
Swades was a 2004 film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
At first, Aamir Khan was supposed to act in it and produce it.
The film was then called Desh.
Other actors, including Hrithik Roshan and R. Madhavan, were also connected to the role.
Shah Rukh Khan became interested after watching Gowariker’s earlier film, Lagaan.
He felt a personal connection to the story and its main character, Mohan Bhargava.
After a test, Shah Rukh was chosen for the part.
The film follows Mohan as he returns from the United States and tries to help his home country.
Aamir Khan was initially attached to lead and produce Swades, then titled Desh.
The project was envisioned as Ashutosh Gowariker’s follow-up collaboration with Aamir after Lagaan.
Hrithik Roshan was later offered the script, while R. Madhavan auditioned for the role.
Shah Rukh Khan pursued the film after watching Lagaan and was eventually cast as Mohan Bhargava.
Swades was released theatrically on December 17, 2004, and is now owned by Red Chillies Entertainment.
- Who
- Amin Hajee described how Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, R. Madhavan and Shah Rukh Khan were connected to the role; Ashutosh Gowariker directed the film.
- What
- Aamir Khan was initially planned to star in and produce Swades, but Shah Rukh Khan ultimately played Mohan Bhargava.
- When
- Swades was theatrically released on December 17, 2004; the casting details were recalled in a recent interview.
- Where
- The film’s story includes Washington, D.C., and Mohan Bhargava’s birthplace in India.
- Why
- Shah Rukh Khan pursued the project after watching Lagaan and saying he felt a personal connection to Desh and its protagonist.
- Original title
- The project was initially titled Desh.
- Initial lead
- Aamir Khan was originally attached as the lead actor.
- Initial producer
- Aamir Khan was also attached to produce the project through Aamir Khan Productions.
- Final lead
- Shah Rukh Khan played Mohan Bhargava.
- Director
- Ashutosh Gowariker co-wrote, directed and produced Swades.
- Release date
- December 17, 2004.
- Current owner
- Red Chillies Entertainment.