Leonardo DiCaprio has described turning down the lead role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 drama “Boogie Nights” as the greatest regret of his career. In a wide-ranging Esquire interview dated 13 August, conducted by Anderson himself, the 50-year-old actor said, “My biggest regret is not doing ‘Boogie Nights. It was a profound movie of my generation.” DiCaprio was originally Anderson’s first choice to play Dirk Diggler but withdrew because he was already committed to James Cameron’s “Titanic.” The part ultimately went to Mark Wahlberg, while “Titanic” made more than $2 billion worldwide and catapulted DiCaprio to international fame. Despite that success, the actor said he still views “Boogie Nights” as a “masterpiece.” The admission comes as DiCaprio prepares for his first on-screen collaboration with Anderson. The pair will reunite for “One Battle After Another,” an action-thriller centred on a former revolutionary’s search for his missing daughter, slated for theatrical release on 26 September. DiCaprio said he had been seeking an opportunity to work with Anderson for two decades, adding that age has sharpened his desire to be “more honest” and selective about future projects.