Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan is very happy that his iconic film Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai has completed 25 years on January 10. Apart from the heart-touching songs and storyline of the film, what caught the attention of fans were the two lead actors, Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha. Patel who made his debut in the industry with the 2000 film.

In an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, Rakesh told about the challenges He was involved in selecting newcomers and how he was well aware of his son’s potential. However, what was interesting was that Ameesha was cast just three days before the shooting.

Talking about the same, the director said, “I wasn’t really nervous. After reading the story, I realized that it required new faces – both the leads should be newcomers. Hrithik and I had already We have collaborated on a few projects, and he helped me with the script. This gave me a better idea of ​​how well he could play the role. We worked together because I knew his abilities and he met my expectations. understood, so it is not difficult to put it all together Was .”

He further added, “As far as Ameesha Patel is concerned, we cast her just three days before the shooting started. She was a complete outsider to the film industry but gave an impressive performance. It never felt like Hrithik and Ameesha were newcomers – they performed with confidence and looked like veterans.”

Having said that, when asked if the actor-director would ever think of making a sequel to the popular film for the Gen Z audience, Roshan discussed how he always likes to challenge himself with different genres.

“I started with Rekha’s heroine-centric film Khoon Bhari Maang, but instead of following that success with a similar theme, I chose a completely different path. After this, I made a film with Kishan Kanhaiya in a dual role, followed by King Uncle with Jackie Shroff and a young girl in the lead. I have always challenged myself with diverse subjects. After this came Karan Arjun and Koyla. Then I realized that despite exploring different genres, I have never directed a romantic film. That’s when the idea of ​​Kaho Na…Pyaar Hai was born.

“After its success, many people expected me to make Hrithik a dancing star in another film. Instead, I challenged myself and him by casting him as a disabled boy in Koi Mil Gaya. I knew his strength as an actor and his ability to deliver deeply emotional performances,” the 73-year-old director concluded.

This film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, also created a stir. Ameesha Patel’s debut with Hrithik.

of the film The re-release is special for the fans because it is Hrithik Roshan’s 51st birthday too. KNPH is available for screening on PVR INOX from January 10th.