When Aishwarya Rai Revealed Why She Refused Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Role: ‘I Would Have Been Lynched…’
3 mins read

When Aishwarya Rai Revealed Why She Refused Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Role: ‘I Would Have Been Lynched…’

Last Updated:

Known for her iconic performances, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan could have added another memorable role to her career with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Initially approached by Karan Johar for the part of Tina, Aishwarya turned it down, expressing concerns that audiences would view her portrayal as…Read More

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan revealed why she turned down the role of Tina in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, fearing backlash over the glamorous portrayal.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan revealed why she turned down the role of Tina in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, fearing backlash over the glamorous portrayal.

Known for her timeless roles in films like Devdas and Dhoom, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has turned down several roles that might have added even more iconic characters to her repertoire. Among those missed opportunities was the role of Tina in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (KKHH), a role that eventually went to Rani Mukerji. Karan Johar initially approached Aishwarya for the part, but she declined, fearing it might be perceived as a return to her modeling days, where glamor and mini-skirts were her hallmark.

Recalling the casting struggle, Karan once shared how challenging it was to fill the third lead part in his debut film, especially after finalizing Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as the leads. He admitted, “I had asked everyone. Main bhikari ban chuka tha us movie mai. Eight heroines had already rejected me for Rani Mukerjee’s role. Mujhe laga, agar koi na mile toh mujhe khud short-skirt pehen ke woh role karna padega (I thought if I don’t get anyone, I might have to wear a short skirt and play the role). Nobody besides Aishwarya Rai even called me back after hearing the narration.”

In a 1999 interview with Filmfare, Aishwarya also shared her perspective on turning down the role, explaining how timing and personal reservations played a part in her decision. “As far as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai goes, Karan Johar did approach me, but the dates he needed were committed to the RK banner film (Aa Ab Laut Chalein, directed by Rishi Kapoor). Moreover, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai belonged to Kajol. No two ways about that. Having said that, let me add that Rani Mukherjee did a terrific job,” she acknowledged.

Reflecting on the potential backlash she might have faced, Aishwarya elaborated, “If I had done Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, it would have been tittered that, ‘Look, Aishwarya Rai is back to doing what she did in her modeling days – leaving her hair straight, wearing minis, and pouting glamorously into the camera.’ Ultimately, the hero goes back to the more real person. I know if I’d done Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, I would have been lynched.”

While Kuch Kuch Hota Hai went on to become a cult classic, establishing Rani Mukerji’s career in Bollywood, Aa Ab Laut Chalein struggled at the box office. Nevertheless, Aishwarya’s decision allowed her to pursue roles that built her unique cinematic legacy, free from the constraints she might have felt in that earlier phase of her career.

News movies When Aishwarya Rai Revealed Why She Refused Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Role: ‘I Would Have Been Lynched…’