Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has had an illustrious career filled with box office hits, larger-than-life roles, and immense fan following. But like many big stars, he too has passed on scripts that later went on to become cult classics or had the potential to. One such lesser-known decision was Salman Khan choosing to do Race 3 over a film titled Be Happy, a script reportedly rich in emotion and simplicity — the kind of film that could have shown a more grounded, heartfelt side of the star.
So, why did he make that choice? Was it a misstep in hindsight? And what was Be Happy really about? Let’s dive deep into this cinematic “what-if” moment.
🎥 What Was ‘Be Happy’?
Be Happy was a script pitched to Salman Khan by an indie filmmaker known for creating soulful, emotional narratives. It wasn’t a commercial action entertainer or a masala-packed blockbuster. Instead, it was a slice-of-life drama focusing on human connections, kindness, and finding joy in small things — a stark contrast to the high-octane thrill ride that Race 3 promised.
The film revolved around a middle-aged man struggling with loneliness and regrets, who embarks on a journey to reconnect with his estranged family and rediscover what it truly means to be happy. A character-driven story, it had all the elements to make a critical and emotional impact, especially with a megastar like Salman bringing his emotional depth to it.
💥 Why He Chose ‘Race 3’ Instead
In 2018, Salman Khan was at the peak of his commercial success streak, having delivered back-to-back box office hits. Race 3, being the third installment of a successful franchise, was pitched as a high-budget action thriller with slick visuals, a glamorous ensemble cast, and chart-topping music. It had all the ingredients to be a box-office juggernaut.
Here are a few key reasons Salman may have chosen Race 3 over Be Happy:
1. Brand and Business
Salman has built his brand on mass entertainers. Choosing an offbeat emotional drama may have felt risky at the time, especially considering audience expectations.
2. Commercial Appeal
Race 3 was backed by a major production house and promised higher returns. Be Happy, on the other hand, was a modest film with limited commercial scope.
3. Schedule & Timing
Reports suggest Race 3 was already in motion, and opting for Be Happy would have required a complete shift in shooting timelines, commitments, and promotions.
📉 What Happened with Race 3?
Unfortunately for Salman Khan, Race 3 ended up being one of the most critically panned films of his career. Despite raking in over ₹150 crore at the box office, the film was mocked for its weak storyline, poor dialogues, and awkward performances. It quickly became the subject of internet memes and is still referenced today as a low point in Salman’s filmography.
Even hardcore fans of Salman were disappointed, not with his performance necessarily, but with the film’s overall lack of coherence and emotional weight.
💔 A Missed Opportunity?
Had Salman Khan gone ahead with Be Happy, it could have changed the narrative in multiple ways:
✔️ Emotional Reinvention
The role would have offered Salman a chance to break away from his usual action hero image and showcase his acting prowess in a grounded, emotionally rich role — much like he did in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which remains one of his most critically acclaimed performances.
✔️ Critical Acclaim Over Commercial Safety
In recent years, stars like Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal, and Rajkummar Rao have proven that small, emotionally compelling stories can resonate powerfully with audiences and critics alike.
✔️ Long-Term Legacy
While box office numbers fade with time, it’s the emotionally driven roles that stay in public memory. Be Happy could have added depth to Salman’s legacy as an actor, not just a superstar.
🧠 What Salman Khan Said (Reportedly)
Though Salman never officially commented on rejecting Be Happy, sources close to the actor revealed he liked the script but was unsure if audiences were ready to see him in such a subdued, non-heroic role. There was also uncertainty about how the film would perform commercially, and that risk ultimately made him lean toward Race 3.
🎞️ Similar Past Choices by Big Stars
Salman Khan isn’t the only actor who passed on a script that could have turned into a gem:
- Shah Rukh Khan said no to 3 Idiots, which went to Aamir Khan and became a classic.
- Kareena Kapoor declined Queen, a career-defining role for Kangana Ranaut.
- Hrithik Roshan turned down Dil Chahta Hai, now regarded as a cult film.
These decisions are part of the game, but they always make us wonder: what if?
💡 Could ‘Be Happy’ Still Be Made?
Possibly. The script reportedly still exists, and several other producers have shown interest in adapting it with a different lead actor. There are murmurs that an OTT platform may pick it up, giving the story a second chance at life. While Salman may have passed, the story of Be Happy may still get told — just not with him in the lead.
🔚 Final Thoughts
In an industry where scripts are often selected based on star power and commercial viability, Salman Khan’s decision to choose Race 3 over Be Happy is understandable, but still a missed opportunity in the eyes of many fans and critics.
While Race 3 may have delivered at the box office, it failed to leave a lasting impact. Be Happy, with its emotional core and potential to connect with the audience’s heart, could have been another Bajrangi Bhaijaan-like milestone in Salman’s career.
Sometimes, it’s not the biggest films that define an actor — it’s the quiet, heartfelt ones that show their depth. Be Happy could’ve been that film.