Bollywood trivia just got juicier with Farah Khan’s latest revelation. The choreographer-turned-director shared on her YouTube channel why Sushmita Sen ultimately landed the memorable Chandni role in her 2004 hit ‘Main Hoon Na,’ opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
It turns out, Farah had her eyes set on Simran Reddy right from the start. In a fun conversation with the actress, Farah reminisced, ‘Your appearance in the ‘Aahista Ki Jiye’ video, clad in traditional outfits, made me think you’d nail Chandni perfectly.’
When Simran probed further with a shocked ‘Then why not me?’, Farah pointed to timing. Simran’s debut film ‘Maine Dil Tujhko Diya’ with Sohail Khan in 2002 had redefined her on-screen persona, making her less ideal for the part by the time casting finalized.
Simran reacted with a mix of joy and regret, especially since ‘Main Hoon Na’ was a massive success, blending action, romance, and dance numbers into a box-office goldmine. Sushmita’s portrayal, with her poised professor vibe and stunning sarees, captivated audiences and cemented her status.
Farah’s directional debut set high standards, while Simran built a career with hits like ‘No Entry’ and ‘Race’ before stepping back from mainstream cinema. Now living a serene life in Goa post-pandemic, Simran occasionally visits Mumbai. This story highlights how one film can pivot careers in unexpected ways.