Casting coup of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

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Known for being the ‘COOL’-est film ever, dialogues that we still remember, actors that we still talk the chemistry about, teaching us 'Pyaar Dosti Hai', Kuch Kuch Hota Hai cuts across all generations and one of Karan Johar’s best work. Love, friendship and relationships all weaved perfectly that makes Kuch Kuch Hota Hai a cult film. However, the emotions wouldn’t have come out flawlessly without the actors putting their heart and soul into their characters. The film is one hell of a casting coup. While assisting Aditya Chopra on Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge, Karan Johar developed a special bond with Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. Shahrukh once told Karan that he would work for his first movie and when Kajol joined the conversation she also expressed her desire to be part of the fun team of Karan and Shahrukh whenever Karan decides to take the plunge into direction. Considering it as a random conversation, Karan never gave it a serious thought until Shahrukh called him from Jaipur where he was shooting for the film Chaahat to come to Jaipur and narrate the story in mind. Karan took a while to get back with the final construct of the script. He narrated his written piece of work to Shahrukh and Kajol, sobbing himself and tears flowing out of Kajol’s eyes too, Shahrukh who usually doesn’t show much emotion in a narration, told Gauri Khan after the narration that Karan has written the film better than he expected. While Rahul and Anjali were sorted, another important character of Tina which was written for Twinkle Khanna - Karan Johar's childhood crush, turned down the role. Many of the lead actresses refused to be undermined in front of Kajol and Shahrukh’s iconic Jodi, it was SRK and Aditya Chopra who without the knowledge of one another co -incidentally recommended Rani Mukherjee at the same time to Karan post seeing her little but impactful portion from her debut film – Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. Skeptical about Rani playing the Hot, modern college girl due to her height, Karan secretly wished Rani to turn down the offer but when she agreed to do it, Karan developed faith in her and rest is history. Another masterstroke in the casting department was the role of Salman Khan which was earlier meant for Saif Ali Khan and various other actors who Karan had approached. Saif who wanted to move away from being projected a NRI, refused to be part of the film. Surprisingly Chandrachur Singh was also a contender for the role but even after two meetings, he too refused to join the casting list of Karan’s debut film. Depressed with the rejections, Karan decided to let his hair down at the party in Chunky Pandey’s house the same night. Luck, destiny or Karma played its trick, Salman who was also present at the party walked up to Karan and told him that he has heard about the role that this debutante director has offered to almost half the industry and said that he knows that no one will do it except him. Surprised with such Dabang statement coming from the Prem of the industry, Karan went to narrate the film to him. Post hearing the first half, Salman gave his nod to the film. However, Karan said it’s just the first half and Salman’s entry is in second half. But Salman said that the role or the story of the film doesn’t matter, he liked his father – renowned Mr. Yash Johar and he will do the film for him. It’s not every time that we see actors like these coming together in one film and make history. The film not only has such beautiful faces but also portrayal of perfect emotions that makes our heart skip a beat, while we can just say – Kuch Kuch Hota hai, tum nahi samjoge !

Source: Yaaron ki Baraat – Farah Khan & Karan Johar and 10 years of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai – IBN Live