In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood fans, renowned costume designer Neeta Lulla recently disclosed that the critically acclaimed film ‘Darr’ almost witnessed a different leading lady. According to Lulla, the enigmatic Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the original choice for the role that ultimately earned Juhi Chawla widespread acclaim.
‘Darr,’ a 1993 psychological thriller directed by Yash Chopra, is still celebrated for its gripping storyline and powerful performances. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of the obsessive lover Rahul Mehra garnered immense praise, but the casting of Kiran Awasti, Rahul’s love interest and a pivotal character in the film, was no less crucial to the film’s success.
Neeta Lulla, a visionary costume designer, played an integral role in shaping the appearance of the characters and adding depth to their personalities through wardrobe choices. In a candid interview, Lulla reminisced about the casting decisions that shaped the course of ‘Darr’ and revealed that the casting process for Kiran Awasti’s character was not as straightforward as many believe.
Lulla expressed that she vividly remembers the discussions with the film’s production team and director Yash Chopra. Initially, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, an emerging talent at that time, was being considered for the role. However, fate had something else in store for both Aishwarya and ‘Darr.’
As the casting discussions continued, Juhi Chawla’s name emerged as an intriguing option. Known for her charming and girl-next-door persona, Juhi was primarily associated with romantic comedies. Nevertheless, Yash Chopra, a master of spotting talent, sensed the potential in Juhi to break out of her comfort zone and deliver a remarkable performance.
Ultimately, the decision to cast Juhi Chawla as Kiran Awasti proved to be a stroke of genius. Her portrayal of vulnerability, strength, and resilience struck a chord with audiences and showcased her versatility as an actor. ‘Darr’ not only became a box office success but also paved the way for Juhi Chawla to venture into more challenging roles in the future.
Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s career took a different trajectory, and she went on to become one of the most celebrated actresses in the industry, amassing accolades and admiration from all corners of the world.
Neeta Lulla’s revelations have sparked conversations among fans and industry insiders about the dynamics of casting decisions and how a film’s fate can be altered by the right choice of actors. It also sheds light on the incredible talent pool that exists in Bollywood, with multiple actors capable of delivering stellar performances.
As the years pass, ‘Darr’ continues to hold a special place in the hearts of cinephiles, and the revelation about the original casting considerations adds yet another layer of fascination to this timeless classic. It serves as a reminder that every actor’s journey is unique, and the choices they make can shape the destiny of films in unexpected ways.