Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen’s Main Hoon Na remains one of the most loved Hindi films of the 2000s. Directed by Farah Khan, the 2004 entertainer also featured Amrita Rao, Zayed Khan and Suniel Shetty in pivotal roles. The crackling chemistry between Shah Rukh and Sushmita was widely appreciated, especially Sushmita’s portrayal of the elegant professor Chandni.
However, in a recent vlog, Farah Khan shared a lesser-known detail about the film’s casting. She revealed that Sushmita was not her initial choice for the role. The filmmaker had first considered Sameera Reddy for the part.
Also Read | Viral wedding card hints at Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s Udaipur wedding, fuels speculation
The song that caught Farah’s attention
Farah made this revelation during a visit to Sameera Reddy’s home in Goa. In a candid conversation, she recalled noticing Sameera in the music video Ahista Kijiye Baatein. Farah mentioned that Sameera’s appearance in traditional attire in the song had impressed her and led her to think about her for the role that eventually went to Sushmita.
Farah said, “Nobody knows, but I had considered you for Main Hoon Na in Sushmita Sen’s role. I had seen your song, Aahista Kijiye Baatein, and you were dressed in Indian wear.”
Surprised, Sameera asked, “Oh My God! I want to know why you didn’t take me.” Farah explained, “Because by then you had taken up Maine Dil Tujhko Diya,” her 2002 debut opposite Sohail Khan.
Also Read | ‘Made India proud’: Shashi Tharoor applauds Priyanka Chopra’s Harvard address, actor replies
Chandni: The role that turned into a pop culture moment
When Main Hoon Na was finally released in 2004, Sushmita Sen’s character Chandni became iconic. Her chiffon sarees and poised screen presence turned into a major fashion trend at the time. The film was a commercial success and marked Farah Khan’s debut as a director.
Meanwhile, Sameera Reddy went on to build her own filmography with projects such as De Dana Dan, Race, No Entry and Musafir.
