Will Smith Says Projects With Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan Didn’t Work Out; Wants Shah Rukh Khan to Cast Him in Bollywood Film

Hollywood star Will Smith has revealed that earlier discussions about working with Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan did not materialise, but he is still eager to make his Bollywood debut—this time with Shah Rukh Khan.

Speaking during an interaction on the sidelines of the Dubai premiere of Pole to Pole with Will Smith, the Oscar-winning actor opened up about his long-standing interest in Indian cinema and his admiration for Bollywood superstars.

Talks that never took off

Will Smith shared that he had previously been in conversations with Salman Khan regarding potential projects. He also recalled light-hearted discussions with Amitabh Bachchan, joking about sharing a title with the legendary actor. However, despite the enthusiasm, none of those ideas eventually moved forward.

“There were a couple of things over the years, but nothing really panned out,” Smith said, reflecting on the missed opportunities.

A direct message to Shah Rukh Khan

Turning his attention to Shah Rukh Khan, Will Smith expressed his clear desire to collaborate with the global Bollywood icon. In a humorous tone, he said he would love SRK to cast him in a Hindi film, signalling strong interest in finally crossing over into Indian cinema. 

What’s next for both stars

Shah Rukh Khan is currently busy with his upcoming film King, an action-packed project that also features Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film is expected to hit theatres later this year.

Meanwhile, Will Smith is gearing up for the release of his National Geographic series Pole to Pole with Will Smith, which documents his journey across extreme environments while taking on intense physical and mental challenges. The series premieres on January 13.

Hollywood meets Bollywood?

While several Indian actors have successfully transitioned to Hollywood, collaborations featuring Hollywood A-listers in Bollywood films remain rare. Will Smith’s comments have reignited excitement among fans, who are hopeful that a Shah Rukh Khan–Will Smith collaboration could finally bring a true Bollywood–Hollywood crossover to the big screen.