WATCH: Naseeruddin Shah refused Dumbledore role in Harry Potter?

The Bollywood thespian refused to play one of the most famous characters in modern literature. But why?

Bollywood thespian Naseeruddin Shah has revealed that he refused the role of popular character, Professor Albus Dumbledore, in the blockbuster Harry Potter movie series.

Shah surprised fans with this revelation in a Twitter interview with Times of India Entertainment, saying that he was asked to play the role of Dumbledore - through his agent - in the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's popular series, after the death of Irish actor Richard Harris (the original Dumbledore in the first two 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. I wouldn't mind playing it - but I won't audition for it" - Shah

Another Irish actor Michael Gambon ended up playing the iconic character in one of the most successful movie franchises of all time.

Watch the legend share the story of how he was approached for the role:

We can only imagine what this scene would have looked like between Voldemort and NASEERUDDIN SHAH!

• Bollywood