Ayesha Takia's Bold Choice: Bollywood Behind the Scenes
In the ever-dynamic world of Bollywood, decisions made in a split second can alter the course of a film's success. A recent revelation by filmmaker Farah Khan has shed light on one such instance involving actress Ayesha Takia. Initially cast for the role of Sanjana Bakshi in the iconic film "Main Hoon Na," Ayesha made a bold choice by leaving the project for Imtiaz Ali's film. This decision not only changed her career trajectory but also paved the way for Amrita Rao's entry into the film.
Farah Khan, while reminiscing during a vlog visit to Amrita Rao's house, disclosed that Ayesha backed out just two weeks before the filming was set to commence. With the shooting already booked at St Paul’s Darjeeling, the sudden absence of a leading lady posed a significant challenge for the production team. Farah recalled how she tried reaching out to Ayesha, who had committed to a 60-day shoot with Imtiaz Ali and ended up staying for two months, leaving "Main Hoon Na" without a heroine.
Fortunately, Gauri Khan stepped in and suggested Amrita Rao for the role. Initially, Farah was skeptical, noting that Amrita did not fit the character's image at first glance. However, after witnessing Amrita's performance during auditions, Farah acknowledged her on-screen charisma, comparing her to the legendary Sridevi. This unique quality, where Amrita appeared captivating on camera yet normal off it, secured her the pivotal role in "Main Hoon Na."
The film, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen alongside Amrita, went on to become a resounding success, grossing ₹70.40 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹25 crore. In contrast, Ayesha's decision to focus on Imtiaz Ali's "Socha Naa Tha," which marked Abhay Deol’s debut, did not fare as well at the box office.
Ayesha's journey took a different path, while Amrita Rao’s career flourished after "Main Hoon Na." Recently, Amrita appeared in “Jolly LLB 3,” a legal comedy-drama that garnered significant box office success, showcasing her enduring presence in the industry. This intriguing anecdote underscores the unpredictable nature of Bollywood and how choices can lead to unforeseen outcomes.
