After ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, Aditya Chopra’s second directorial venture ‘Mohabbatein’ was released on this day in the year 2000. The film’s release has completed 21 years, but the film still remains in discussion among the fans about its characters, songs and dialogues.
If seen, this film also gave a new direction to the career of Amitabh Bachchan. In the late 90s, Big B was in debt and had no films. In such a situation, he met Yash Chopra one day and demanded work. After which Yash Chopra offered him this role in his son Aditya Chopra’s film. Mohabbatein is considered to be the second innings of Amitabh Bachchan’s career. At the same time, Shahrukh Khan signed this film without reading the script. Shah Rukh had earlier done Aditya’s first film DDLJ and the two had a very good friendship.
Aishwarya’s extended role
Earlier Aishwarya had only one cameo in the film. But suddenly his role was increased in view of his increased popularity at that time. To maintain the suspense, even Ash’s face was not shown in the film’s trailer.
Kajol and Karisma Kapoor rejected
Kajol and Karisma Kapoor were offered the roles of Ishika and Sanjana. But both had rejected. After which Shamita Shetty and Kim Sharma were finalized. At the same time, Sameera Reddy was also approached. But at that time she was not ready to appear in films. After which Preeti Jhangiani was finalised.
Karan Johar did the dress design
The costume designing of Amitabh Bachchan in this film was done by Karan Johar. A role of Amitabh Bachchan’s stepson was also written in the film, for which Sachin Tendulkar was signed. But then the director cut that part of the story.
Priyanka Chopra’s debut
Yash Chopra approached Priyanka Chopra for the role of Shamita Shetty. But she had to refuse as she was still in contract for the Miss World pageant. At the same time, Mithun Chakraborty was signed to play a special role. He was locked to play the role of Shefali Shah’s army husband. Aditya cut that character because of the length of the film.
Rani Mukerji did not want to play ghost
Rani Mukerji was approached for the role of Megha, but she turned it down because after playing a role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, she did not want to play the role of ghost again. This role was later played by Aishwarya Rai.
Sridevi opposite Amitabh Bachchan
The film was supposed to cast ‘Sridevi’ as Amitabh Bachchan’s girlfriend, but that role was cut again. Aditya Chopra also approached Madhuri Dixit for rejecting Sridevi.
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