Not Kajol, But This Actress Was The First Choice Of Karan Johar For The Role Of Anjali In Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Karan Johar, a renowned director in the film industry, has created numerous memorable films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Student Of The Year, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Among these, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham still garners significant love from audiences and is hailed as a classic in modern Hindi cinema.

The film features Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hrithik Roshan. While the audience adores SRK and Kajol's chemistry in the movie, Karan Johar disclosed in an interview that she wasn't the initial choice for the role.

Karan Johar Wanted To Take Aishwarya Rai As Lead

In an old interview with Komal Nahata, Karan Johar revealed that he initially preferred Aishwarya Rai for the role of Anjali in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, not Kajol. He explained that during casting, he learned that Kajol wouldn’t be able to do the film due to her marriage and possible plans of starting a family. I considered approaching Aishwarya. That day, at 3 p.m., I went to Kajol’s studio expecting a refusal, anticipating some tears, and planning to leave. Naturally, I felt disappointed because Kajol had already worked with me."

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He also mentioned that upon offering the role to Kajol, she accepted it, and he didn't have an opportunity to propose it to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He stated, However, I'm uncertain about what changed her decision—Kajol actually wanted to be a part of the film. Thus, I didn't proceed to meet Aishwarya. Nevertheless, Aishwarya was my preference, and subsequently, the 'missed opportunities' chain began."

This year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan garnered widespread acclaim for her role in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan II, while Karan Johar marked his directorial return with the hit film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, starring Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi.

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