Kajol reveals why she turned down Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna for Aamir Khan's Fanaa: 'My daughter was really small then'
Released in 2006, Fanaa became an instant blockbuster, winning hearts with its soulful music, powerful dialogues, and emotional storytelling. Directed by Kunal Kohli and produced under the Yash Raj Films banner, the film starred Aamir Khan and marked
Kajol
's much-anticipated comeback after the birth of her daughter, Nysa Devgn.
While fans remember Fanaa for its hauntingly beautiful shayari and the sizzling on-screen chemistry between Aamir and Kajol, few know that Kajol actually turned down
Karan Johar
's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna to be a part of the film.
In a recent interview with Varinder Chawla's page, Kajol confirmed that she was offered Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which eventually starred
Shah Rukh Khan
, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji.
'Well, Karan did offer me Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna at that point of time, but I think he wanted to go abroad for three months.
My daughter was really small then — six months or a year old. I was like, I can't do it. I'd love to — I think he made a fantastic film — but I just couldn't leave my child or my husband for that long. That's when the 'Ma instinct' kicked in.'
Kajol Gets CANDID About Motherhood Lessons and Son Yug's Debut In 'Karate Kids: Legends' | Exclusive
Aamir Khan insisted on Kajol for Fanaa
Interestingly, director Kunal Kohli once revealed that when Aamir Khan was approached for Fanaa, he already had a lead actress in mind, and it was none other than Kajol.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
Kohli recalled that when discussing potential co-stars, Aamir simply kept repeating, 'Kajol, Kajol, and Kajol.'
The director admitted he was surprised by Aamir's suggestion, assuming Kajol would prioritise Karan Johar's film, especially since it also featured her long-time co-star and friend Shah Rukh Khan. However, after reading the script for Fanaa, Kajol instantly agreed to the role of Zooni Ali Beg, a visually impaired Kashmiri woman, and made the film her comeback vehicle.
Fanaa went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of 2006, reportedly earning around Rs 130 crore at the box office. The film was not only a commercial success but also a critical one, cementing Kajol and Aamir's pairing as iconic in Bollywood history.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
SPS Oberoi visits Punjab to celebrate adopted daughters birthday and pledges lifelong support
TARN TARAN : Nearly five months after Dubai-based philanthropist SPS Oberoi adopted seven years old Ekagardeep Kaur following the tragic death of her father in a deadly fire incident in Georgia, he returned to Punjab from Dubai to mark a special occasion—the birth anniversary of his adopted daughter. During his visit, he reaffirmed his promise to support Ekagardeep's education in full, ensuring that her future remains bright despite the shadows of past tragedy. 'I didn't come just to celebrate her birthday—I came to remind her that she is not alone, and that her dreams matter,' he said in an emotive note. In a touching moment, he also announced the installation of a submersible pump at Ekagardeep's home, which will significantly help to improve the family's daily living conditions. The young girl's mother, Baljit Kaur, along with other family members, was visibly moved. 'We lost everything when Sandeep died, but today we feel like we've gained a family again. We are deeply thankful,' she said with her voice filled with gratitude. She further said that Ekagardeep lost her father, but today she has a maternal grandfather who treats her like his own. 'We are blessed,' she said. Notably, Sandeep Singh was one among the 12 persons who died in a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in a restaurant in Gudauri, Georgia, on December 14, 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Install the Perfect Pool at Home – Start Here Backyard Pool | Search Ads Learn More Undo During a visit to Sandeep's house in January , Oberoi not only announced his decision to adopt Ekagardeep but also gave a fixed deposit of Rs 2 lakh for her marriage and took responsibility for the repair of the late Sandeep Singh's house. He also announced a monthly pension of Rs 5000 for the family. On the occasion, the young girl shared her dream of becoming a doctor with Oberoi, whom she affectionately calls 'Nanu'. Deeply moved by her ambition, Oberoi pledged to bear all expenses related to her education until she achieves her goal and assured her of every possible support along the way.
Hindustan Times
34 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Will Nysa Devgan carry Kajol's legacy forward in Bollywood like Rasha Thadani is doing for Raveena Tandon? Actor reveals
Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon ruled the industry in the 90s with her hit films, and now, her daughter Rasha Thadani has made her debut, carrying her legacy forward. Kajol, who is currently promoting her upcoming film Maa, revealed in an interview with Filmygyan whether her daughter Nysa Devgan also plans to enter the film industry. (Also Read: Kajol recollects shooting for film when dad was in hospital and Nysa Devgan was only 2: 'It was a double whammy') When asked if Nysa will take her legacy forward like Rasha is doing for her mother Raveena, Kajol replied, "No, I don't think she will. She is not interested in movies. I love all the kids in my family and I would want them to do exactly what gives them happiness and whatever they feel they'll succeed in." Kajol further revealed that her children haven't yet watched her film Maa, and spoke about whether they critique her performances. She said, "Mere bacchon ko meri picture pasand nahi aati kyunki mujhe rona dhona padta hai usmein aur unhe pasand nahi aapni maa ko screen pe rote hue dekhke. Nysa aur Yug bahut sehme sehme ho jaate hain mujhe rote hue dekh ke. Maine bola hai fake hai par samajhte nahi hain" (My kids don't like my films because I have to cry in them, and they don't like seeing their mother cry on screen. Nysa and Yug get quite shaken up when they see me crying. I've told them it's fake, but they don't understand). For the unversed, Rasha made her Bollywood debut alongside Ajay Devgn's nephew Aaman Devgan in the film Azad, which also featured Ajay himself. Though the film failed to make a mark at the box office, Rasha's dance to the song Uyi Amma in the movie earned her recognition. Kajol is awaiting the release of her upcoming film Maa. The mythological horror drama, directed by Vishal Furia, also stars Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma. Set in the fictional village of Chandrapur, the story follows a mother and her daughter who visit the husband's hometown after his mysterious death, only to uncover a demonic curse that threatens their lives. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on 27 June.
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Dhanush's 'Kuberaa' faces price hike; Rs 75 increase in AP? Reports
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 'Kuberaa', the much-anticipated action-drama starring Dhanush and Nagarjuna Akkineni, finds itself at the center of controversy regarding the ticket price. The movie is directed by Sekhar Kammula. The film is now facing backlash from fans in Andhra Pradesh after reports surfaced of a ticket price hike. As per a report by Aakashavaani, ticket prices are set to increase by Rs 75 across both single-screen and multiplex theatres for a period of 10 days in the state. Price hike sparks disappointment 02:39 Kuberaa - Official Tamil Trailer The 10-day premium pricing strategy has not gone down well with moviegoers. Many fans took to social media to express their discontent, calling the price hike unjust and exploitative. One commented, "Producer is killing his own film. Asian sunil sir said Kuberaa ticket prices will be nominal, but in A.P., it's ₹230 for single screens and ₹265 for multiplexes—for a film with no Tier 1 star and not an event movie. OTT window is just 28 days (said by the producer). " Netizens react - After the release Let's take a look at the discussion on Twitter regarding the ticket price for the Dhanush starrer after its release. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo One Twitter user wrote, "#Kuberaa Vizag Bookings Started Balcony-Rs 175 Non-Premium-Rs100 30 hike in balcony." Another one wrote, "Everyone misunderstood #Kuberaa's AP ticket hike GO. It clearly states that prices can be increased by Rs 75/-, but it's entirely up to the distributor whether they actually increase it or not. " Twitter buzz: Dhanush wins hearts Amid the pricing uproar, early reviews of Kuberaa are pouring in on Twitter, and they're overwhelmingly positive. Fans are especially praising Dhanush for what many call a 'career-defining' performance. Comments like 'Take a bow thalaivaa' and '@dhanushkraja Blockbuster performance' are trending, with many users calling the film a 'must-watch' and 'best Telugu film of 2025.' While the film's first half and performances — particularly by Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna — are being widely lauded, the climax has received mixed reactions. One Twitter user pointed out, 'Barring the last 10 minutes, the second half is terrific. It's a gripping ride, but the ending misfires.' Despite that, the film's emotional intensity and narrative power seem to have struck a chord with audiences. With stellar performances and strong word-of-mouth support, 'Kuberaa' might weather the ticket price controversy — but the impact of the hike on footfall remains to be seen.
