In a recent episode of Farah Khan’s YouTube series where she visits celebrity homes, the filmmaker dropped by Amrita Rao and RJ Anmol’s house for a heartwarming and nostalgic chat. During the visit, Farah looked back at her directorial debut Main Hoon Na and revealed some surprising behind-the-scenes stories including the fact that Ayesha Takia was originally chosen for the role that eventually made Amrita Rao a household name.
Gauri Khan Stepped In
When Ayesha Takia backed out of Main Hoon Na to shoot for Socha Na Tha, Farah Khan was in a panic. Her shoot was just two weeks away and everything was ready, the Darjeeling locations, costumes, and crew. That’s when producer Gauri Khan suggested giving Amrita Rao a chance. “She had done a Bru ad,” Farah recalled. At first, Farah was not convinced. “She came in wearing a kurta and jeans while Sanju was supposed to be a goth rebellious girl. I couldn’t see it.”
The Big Shock Before Filming
Farah remembers the chaos vividly. “Ayesha told me she would be gone for four days, but she ended up being gone for two months. She was shooting Socha Na Tha. I called her many times about costume trials and rehearsals but she said she couldn’t come because Imtiaz sir hadn’t finished shooting. I was devastated. It was my first film, and my heroine had disappeared.”
Amrita Shines in Her First Scene
Even though Farah had doubts, she decided to give Amrita a shot. She asked her to perform the emotional scene where Sanjana confesses everything to Shah Rukh Khan. “The moment I saw her through the lens, I was stunned. She looked completely different magical It reminded me of Sridevi. Even when Sridevi’s rehearsals seemed okayish, she would light up once the camera rolled”
Fun Behind the Scenes Stories
Filming was not without its challenges. Amrita danced perfectly in the one-shot song Chale Jaise Hawaien while other dancers struggled with the cold and low oxygen. There was also a funny moment when Amrita admitted she did not know how to ride a bicycle just before a cycle scene. Farah panicked but Shah Rukh Khan stepped in. “If you watch that scene closely, you’ll see she looks terrified”
Chaos on Set
Amrita’s costumes had not arrived on set and the shoot could have stalled. Farah remembered, “None of her costumes had reached the set. “The truck never arrived We had to borrow clothes from the dancers, cut them up, and style her like a hobo. Despite all the chaos, she was amazing.”
Farah’s Cook Dilip Remembers Amrita as “The Girl Who Runs Behind Lucky“
During a nostalgic chat at Amrita’s house, Farah was joined by her longtime cook Dilip. She asked him, “Have you seen Amrita in Main Hoon Na?” He replied, “The girl who was running behind Lucky.” Farah laughed and teased, “Did you hear that? Your role was to be behind Lucky. That was Rakhi Sawant. You get out of here”
A Career-Defining Role
Despite all the hurdles, Main Hoon Na became a massive hit. Amrita Rao’s portrayal of Sanjana remains one of her most memorable performances. From being a last-minute replacement to becoming a fan favorite, Amrita’s journey proves that sometimes the most unexpected opportunities can change everything.
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