Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan has revealed that Sameera Reddy was originally her first choice for the role that was eventually played by Sushmita Sen in Main Hoon Na. Farah shared that she first noticed Reddy in the music video Ahista Kijiye Baatein and was immediately struck by her screen presence. She recalled thinking that Reddy’s look in traditional Indian attire aligned perfectly with how she had envisioned the character of Chandni, the graceful college professor who becomes the romantic interest in the film. At the time, Farah felt Reddy’s persona matched the elegance and softness she wanted the role to convey. However, casting circumstances changed. By the time Main Hoon Na moved closer to production, Reddy had committed to another film, which affected scheduling. Farah explained that the overlapping timelines meant the casting could not proceed as originally planned. As a result, the team began exploring other options before finalising Sushmita Sen for the part.
Sen’s portrayal of Chandni went on to become one of the film’s most talked-about elements. Her saree-clad appearance, composed performance and on-screen chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan contributed significantly to the film’s popularity. The character’s styling and presence became culturally memorable, particularly for audiences who associate the film with early 2000s Bollywood nostalgia.
Released in 2004, Main Hoon Na marked Farah Khan’s directorial debut and emerged as a commercial success. Blending action, romance and family drama, the film featured Shah Rukh Khan in the lead and became one of the year’s prominent releases.
Farah’s recent revelation underscores how casting decisions in the film industry are often dictated by timing, availability and scheduling conflicts rather than purely creative preference. It illustrates how even a filmmaker’s clear first choice can change when production timelines shift and actors commit to other projects.
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