Farah Khan, the renowned Bollywood filmmaker, recently shared intriguing insights into the casting journey behind her iconic movie “Main Hoon Na.” In a candid interview with casting director Mukesh Chhabra on Mashable India’s show The Bombay Dream, she shed light on the challenges faced in assembling the cast for the film.
One of the most surprising revelations was that both Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan turned down roles in the film. Farah disclosed that Hrithik was initially considered for a pivotal role but had to opt out due to his skyrocketing popularity post the success of “Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.” Abhishek Bachchan, too, declined a role in the movie, adding an interesting twist to the casting saga.
Farah Khan expressed her gratitude towards Shah Rukh Khan for his unwavering support and trust in her casting decisions. Despite the absence of casting directors at the time, Farah and her team meticulously handled the casting process themselves. Apart from Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen, who had already been promised roles, the rest of the cast remained uncertain until the last moment.
The casting for female lead roles also faced its fair share of challenges. Initially eyeing Ayesha Takia for a role, Farah had to switch gears when Takia became unavailable due to prior commitments. Eventually, Amrita Rao was chosen for the part just days before shooting commenced, adding an element of last-minute excitement to the casting process.
Interestingly, Farah sought Shah Rukh Khan’s approval for Amrita Rao’s casting, but the megastar left the decision entirely up to her, showcasing his trust in her judgment. Farah emphasized that Shah Rukh Khan had never interfered in casting for any of her films, a testament to their strong professional relationship.
Furthermore, Farah revealed her contemplation of casting veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah for a crucial antagonist role in ‘Main Hoon Na’, but the plan fell through. Despite approaching several esteemed actors including Kamal Haasan and Nana Patekar, the role eventually landed in the hands of Suniel Shetty.
Farah Khan’s candid revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of casting in Bollywood and the challenges filmmakers face in assembling the perfect ensemble for their projects.