Last Updated:April 24, 2026, 18:20 IST
Several celebs including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, have shared why they chose to continue working in Bollywood instead of pursuing Hollywood careers.
Shah Rukh To Kangana Ranaut: What These Celebs Said About Choosing Bollywood Over Hollywood
Over the years, several actors from Indian cinema have explored opportunities in Hollywood, working across international projects and global platforms. However, many prominent Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut and others, have chosen to remain rooted in Indian cinema and have not been keen on working in Hollywood. Ever wondered why? From personal preferences to artistic choices, let’s take a look at what these celebrities said about choosing Bollywood over Hollywood.
Shah Rukh Khan
King Khan has been asked about a Hollywood debut for decades. During the press conference of Om Shanti Om in Berlinale in 2008, he used his trademark wit to shut down the idea, and said, “My English is not good. If they give me a role of a dumb person who doesn’t speak, maybe then there’s a possibility.”
Shah Rukh Khan further added, “I don’t have any special USP as an actor. I don’t have any speciality as an actor. I don’t know Kung Fu. I don’t dance the Latin Salsa. I am not tall enough. I think anyone who’s my age in the Western world—I’ve seen some of the films in Europe—I think there is no space for me. I don’t think I am that talented. So I would like to continue doing work in India, and hopefully take Indian cinema to the world. That’s the ambition I have.”
Salman Khan
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan once said that he is not interested in pursuing Hollywood films, and instead hopes to see the Indian film industry grow to a level where it stands on its own without being compared to the West. During a 2015 press conference, Salman Khan said, “I am happy being here. I have earned respect here and it has taken time for me to achieve it. I would have to work again to earn that respect and love [in Hollywood].” He added that he already receives immense love and respect in India, and since it has taken years to build that standing, he sees little reason to move to Hollywood.
“If it’s a film related to us (Indians), I might do it but I don’t have any interest or craze for it,” he added.
Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut is not very keen on a career in Hollywood either. In a recent interview with ANI, she shared why she doesn’t plan on stepping into Hollywood. She said “I’m not crazy about Hollywood. Because Hollywood has a very specific agenda to make films that make America look great. So we should have our own agenda. Why should we unnecessarily go there and try to make America look great?”
Kareena Kapoor Khan
At the Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, Karan Johar reminded Kareena her response “Sab bus pakad k jaa rahe hai”, when asked about her contemporaries like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone going to Hollywood. Adding to that Karan asked her about her Hollywood ambitions to which she said ” Main to yahi pe hu. I am very happy with my Indian movies and acting. Bada mazaa aata hai. Humare Hindi film gaane pe dance karna. Bada mazaa aata hai Hindi dialogues bolna. Bhatinda ki Sikhni hu bhai. (I’m right here. I’m very happy with my Indian movies and acting. I really enjoy it. I love dancing to our Hindi film songs. I really enjoy delivering Hindi dialogues. I’m a Sikhni from Bhatinda).”
Manoj Bajpayee
One of India’s finest actors, Manoj Bajpayee has often mentioned that he isn’t actively seeking Hollywood projects. In an interview with Hindustan Times, The Family Man actor said, “It’s not in your hands. I keep getting offers, I won’t deny that. It has to be respectable. I am not dying to go there and start from the scratch just because it’s Hollywood.” He said he has great respect for Hollywood films, but is currently receiving strong roles and recognition in the Indian film industry, and that starting from scratch abroad is not something he is inclined towards.
April 24, 2026, 18:20 IST
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