Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s casting of Aishwarya Rai as Nandini in “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” was initially opposed by the producers.
“Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” remains one of cinema’s most iconic films. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s timeless love story continues to captivate audiences. Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan dazzled with their on-screen chemistry as the IT couple. However, Kareena Kapoor Khan was originally the first choice for Aishwarya’s role.
Aishwarya Rai’s path to starring in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” wasn’t exactly straightforward. The role was initially offered to Kareena Kapoor Khan, who reportedly declined to focus on her studies. This opened the door for Aishwarya Rai. However, Bhansali’s decision to cast the then-up-and-coming actress wasn’t met with immediate approval. The film’s producers, unsure of Aishwarya’s suitability for the role, questioned Bhansali’s choice. This added a layer of pressure to the project, as Bhansali had to convince the producers of his vision for the character and Aishwarya’s potential to embody.
Aishwarya Rai, fresh off her Miss World title, entered Bollywood with a lot of buzz. In fact, this was even acknowledged in “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” itself, with Salman Khan’s character playfully referencing her beauty queen past. However, despite the initial hype, her casting as Nandini in the film wasn’t universally accepted. Many, including the producers, expressed doubts and reservations about her suitability for the role.
Was Aishwarya Rai Not The Right choice?
Other producers of “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” besides Sanjay Leela Bhansali, doubted Aishwarya Rai’s suitability for the role of Nandini. They were concerned that her Western image as Miss World wouldn’t fit Nandini’s character—a typical desi girl in ghagras, the lifeline of her joint family.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali Came Up With A Solution
Bhansali proposed a groundbreaking solution: “Why not tie her hair in a plait for a traditional look?” This idea, now legendary in film history, swiftly resolved concerns about Aishwarya Rai’s suitability for Nandini’s role in “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.” Her transformation was finalized on the spot, marking a pivotal moment in the film’s production where her appearance aligned perfectly with the character’s traditional attire and cultural essence.
Aish Pitched Herself For The Film
Aishwarya Rai was initially slated to debut in Aamir Khan’s “Raja Hindustani” in 1996, but circumstances prevented it. During a screening of the film, she approached Sanjay Leela Bhansali and expressed her admiration for his work, particularly “Khamoshi: The Musical.” In a subsequent interview, Bhansali reminisced about Rai’s captivating presence, describing her eyes as fiery. He recalled the moment he realized, “Yehi to hai meri Nandini” (She is my Nandini), affirming her suitability for the role in “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.”
While the timelines of such anecdotes may not align perfectly with Aishwarya’s, these stories from the past have now become cherished tales. We delight in reading and recounting them, appreciating their nostalgic charm. They exist purely for our enjoyment, offering glimpses into bygone days. These narratives hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of the rich history and allure of the film industry.
Disclaimer:
The statement regarding producers of “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” calling Aishwarya Rai “the wrong choice” after Kareena Kapoor rejected the role is based on historical reports and may reflect opinions or sentiments from that time. It is important to note that such statements are subject to interpretation and perspective, and may not represent the views of all involved parties or stakeholders. This information is presented for informational purposes and entertainment value, and should not be considered as a definitive account or endorsement of any specific viewpoint regarding casting decisions in the film industry.
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