Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham has a huge fan following. While the multi-starrer has gained a cult status, Kajol’s role as Anjali has struck a chord with cinephiles. But do you know that the filmmaker initially had Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in mind for this role?
In an old interview with Komal Nahta, Karan Johar had mentioned that he initially wanted to cast Aishwarya in the role of Anjali. According to him, he believed that Kajol might not be available given her personal life and choice to start a family.
“When I was casting for Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, I came to know that Kajol would not be able to do the film because she was married and probably wanted to start a family. I thought I would contact Aishwarya. On that particular day, at 3 pm I reached Kajol’s studio and I thought she would say no, we would shed a few tears and I would leave. Of course, I felt bad because Kajol had already worked with me,” he said.
However, contrary to KJO’s expectations, Kajol accepted the offer and wanted to do the film. In such a situation, the filmmaker did not go to meet Ash. Nevertheless, Karan admitted that Aishwarya was his “choice and then the ‘disappearance’ started.”
Meanwhile, while talking about this in an interview with DNA, Aish had also admitted that Karan had come to him with the script. According to him, later the script and character were changed. The actress was ‘sure’ about this as she noted that the description she was given and what was ultimately presented on screen was different. Describing Kajol as ‘brilliant’, the actress revealed how she could not cooperate with Karan then.
The multi-starrer family drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan was released in 2001. Directed by Karan Johar, it tells the story of an Indian family torn apart after adoption. The elder son (SRK) married a girl (Kajol) from an ordinary background.
Later, the younger son comes into the picture and plays an important role in reuniting his father and brother; Adding an important and emotional arc to the film.
Also read: Throwback: Kareena Kapoor thought people would look at her ‘differently’ if she decided to have a family; Tells how Saif Ali Khan encouraged him
