Neil Nitin Mukesh reveals Imran Khan starrer 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' was first offered to him: 'Was asked to choose between this and Johnny Gaddaar'
Neil Nitin Mukesh
recently revealed that he was also offered
Imran Khan
starrer '
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
', around the same time — and had to pick between the two contrasting scripts for his launch.
Choosing Between Romance and a Thriller
In conversation with Just Too Filmy, Neil revealed that he was offered
Johnny Gaddaar
and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na on the same day by producer Jhamu Sughand. While Jaane Tu... fit the popular trend of romantic college dramas, Neil was hesitant to embrace the 'chocolate boy' image that people often associated with him. Uncomfortable with the label, he leaned toward a more unconventional and intense role, which ultimately led him to choose Johnny Gaddaar for his debut.
No Grand Launch, Only Tough Choices
The actor also recalled that after meeting producer Jhamu Sughand at a party, he was invited to his office, where he was offered two films—but with a catch. He would have to audition for both and choose only one. At the time, Neil admitted feeling unsure, especially since actors like
Ranbir Kapoor
and Harman Baweja were set to debut in big-banner films like Saawariya and Love Story 2050. He questioned whether his debut would stand a chance against such high-profile launches. Despite the pressure, Neil auditioned for both roles, but ultimately went with his gut and chose Johnny Gaddaar.
'Jaane Tu… Was Always Imran's Film'
He further shared that Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na was always meant to be Imran Khan's film, and he felt privileged just to be considered for it. He clarified that he never rejected the film, but simply wasn't able to take it up due to circumstances. Had he been given the chance to work on both projects, he said he would have given his all to each—but ultimately, he couldn't be part of Jaane Tu.
A Star Kid Without a Starry Launch
In the same interview, Neil also revealed that despite coming from a celebrated musical lineage—being the son of
Nitin Mukesh
and grandson of legendary singer Mukesh—he was made aware early on that a grand Bollywood launch wasn't in store for him. At just 13, his father told him clearly that the family's financial priorities lay elsewhere and that he wouldn't be able to invest in launching Neil's film career. The conversation left a young Neil deeply unsettled, marking a turning point in his understanding of the challenges ahead.
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