In a conversation with casting director Mukesh Chhabra, Farah Khan revealed some surprising details about Rakhi Sawant’s audition for Shah Rukh Khan’s Main Hoon Na. “Camera hil gaya (the camera shook),” Khan said, reminiscing about the experience.
She elaborated, “Rakhi turned up for the audition in a burka. The assistant director was apprehensive because it was the role of the ‘hot girl’ in the movie,” Khan said. “But Rakhi, in her signature style, told him to roll the camera.” The unexpected twist came when Sawant removed the burka, leaving everyone stunned as she was wearing a bikini underneath.
While Sawant’s unique approach grabbed attention, she wasn’t immediately cast due to her vibrant orange hair at the time. However, upon her arrival for the shoot in Darjeeling, the challenge shifted. “Our concern then became how to cover her up,” Khan revealed. “I kept giving her sweaters and berets, but Rakhi wanted to showcase more skin.” Khan fondly remembers explaining to Sawant that she would look lovely even covered up.
Despite the initial reservations, Khan described Sawant as a pleasure to work with. “Her only request was to be positioned next to Shah Rukh Khan or behind him in a song, and she was happy with that,” Khan said.
Khan also shed light on another casting story, revealing they had initially chosen a different actress who ultimately couldn’t participate. “The actress’s mother demanded she stay in a luxurious hotel, specifically the one Shah Rukh Khan was staying in,” Khan said. “These excessive demands (nakhre) started even before the shoot began,” leading to the actress being replaced.
Main Hoon Na, released in 2004, boasted an impressive ensemble cast alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Zayed Khan. The list included talented actors like Sushmita Sen, Amrita Rao, Boman Irani, Kirron Kher, Suniel Shetty, and more.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Karan Johar dance with Farah Khan in special collage; see pic
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