When Aishwarya Rai Was Called ‘Wrong Choice’ For Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam After THIS Actress Rejected It | Throwback Tales

Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan were the IT couple that wowed everyone in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The Hindi-language romantic drama in 1999 was among the most famous movies ever made. Thanks to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's exquisite narrative and the famous chemistry between the leads—particularly the thrilling romance between Sameer and Nandini that still makes hearts skip a beat—fans continue to enjoy the movie decades later. But did you know that Aishwarya Rai was not the first choice for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam?

Aishwarya Rai won the Miss World before she entered the Hindi film industry. In the movie, Salman Khan's character even remarks, 'Attitude to aise de rahi hai, jaise Miss World ho.' There were several reservations about her being chosen for the role of Nandini.

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Aishwarya Rai Was NOT The 'Right' Choice?

Other Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam producers, aside from Sanjay Leela Bhansali, were skeptical that Aish would ever appear as Nandini because she had a highly Western image since winning the Miss World title. Nandini, on the other hand, was a typical Desi girl who was the lifeblood of her mixed family and wore ghagras.

Then, Sanjay Leela Bhansali devised a solution that would go down in movie history as a marvelous concept. 'Why not tie her hair in a plait and give her a traditional look?' asked Sanjay Leela Bhansali. And that's when Aishwarya Rai's look was finalised.

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Who The First Choice For Hum Dil Chuke Sanam?

Kareena Kapoor, well-known for her extravagant performances, such as Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Geet from Jab We Met, and many more. She was first offered the role before Aishwarya Rai, who starred as Nandini in the movie. The actor could have begun her career with one of the most famous romance movies of the 1990s helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She reportedly turned down the filmmaker's offer to launch her with this movie because she wasn't interested in taking on the project at the time.

Hum Dil Chuke Sanam, known for its timeless love story, magnificent sets, and deep music, became a cult favorite. It became the year's highest-grossing movie, earning Rs 510 million.