The cult classic Karan Arjun starred two of Indian cinema’s biggest superstars, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. While many still wonder how director Rakesh Roshan managed to get both the actors to work in the film, he recently revealed the secret. He shared how he managed to bring the superstars together, saying “musiibat aa sakti thi” (trouble could have arisen). Before shooting began, he sat with both the actors and made sure they understood the entire story.
In a recent interaction with ETimes, Rakesh Roshan was asked about the challenges of casting two superstars as parallel leads in Karan Arjun, admitting the possibility of insecurities, rivalries and competition.
He told that before the shooting started, he sat with Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan and narrated the entire story and their dialogues with emotions. Roshan told him that if he had any concerns, he should raise them before the shooting and not on the set.
He made sure that both the characters were equally important and ensured that there was no competition between them or a feeling of one being ahead of the other. Taking inspiration from his own experience as an actor, Roshan was aware of such challenges and took steps during the scripting stage to ensure that the roles were balanced.
In another interaction with Screen today, the director was asked about the possibility of casting superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan together in a film, he confirmed that it could happen.
The director of Koi Mil Gaya said that this would be possible only if the script had a balanced portrayal of both the heroes. Taking inspiration from his experience as an actor, Roshan mentioned that he understands how he would feel in such roles.
He stressed that when he made Karan Arjun, equal importance was given to both the characters and if a similar script is made then both the actors can easily work together.
Karan Arjun will re-release in theaters on November 22, 2024. The story is a beloved classic focusing on the theme of reincarnation. The story revolves around two brothers, Karan (played by Salman Khan) and Arjun (Shahrukh Khan), who are killed while trying to save their mother (Rakhi) from Thakur Sangram Singh.
Before his death, his mother was promised that he would return to avenge her murders. The plot unfolds with the brothers being reborn and going back to the village, where their mother eagerly awaits their return.
Also read: Karan Arjun Re-release: Do you know Shahrukh Khan had initially left the film? Rakesh Roshan reveals the second actor who was his first choice
