Did you know Naseeruddin Shah refused an audition for Albus Dumbledore?

There were many actors in the running to play Harry Potter’s mentor Albus Dumbledore after original actor Richard Harris died. Now, in a recent interview, Naseeruddin Shah revealed how he almost became ‘The Chosen One.’

In a Twitter chat with The Times of India, Shah revealed that after Harris died after completing work on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second film in the series, his agent wanted him to audition for the part. The role would eventually go to Michael Gambon, who played the Hogwarts headmaster for 6 Potter films.

“My agent wanted me to audition for Dumbledore’s character after Richard Harris died. I was asked if I would like to audition for it. But I wouldn’t audition for it,” said Shah.

Read: This is misreporting: Naseeruddin Shah denies remark about Anupam Kher

Magneto and Gandalf actor Sir Ian McKellan was also rumoured to take on the role but he refused, citing differences he had previously has with Richard Harris.

Naseeruddin Shah’s biggest Hollywood role has been Captain Nemo in the critical and commercial failure The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Read: Naseeruddin Shah wants to write a tell all book on Bollywood

Follow @htshowbiz for more