Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s pitch for the film Om Shanti Om included an unexpected twist. In a candid conversation, Farah Khan recounted an amusing and somewhat dramatic encounter with actor Arjun Rampal. During a New Year’s Eve party at Shah Rukh Khan’s house, Farah and SRK found themselves locked in a bathroom with Rampal, pitching him the role that would become a major turning point in his career.
Initially, the film’s casting faced challenges. Farah Khan had envisioned a leading man with a charismatic presence for the negative role in the movie, but multiple actors had turned down the part. Among them was Vivek Oberoi, who later revealed he chose to work on Shootout at Lokhandwala instead. The filmmakers needed a fresh face for the role, which was crucial to the storyline.
Farah Khan described the urgency they faced as the shooting date approached. The film’s success depended on finding an actor who could convincingly portray a handsome villain opposite Deepika Padukone’s character, who was to be a prominent actress in the movie. “We had to start shooting for this character by January 6th, and we didn’t have anyone cast for the role yet,” Farah explained.
When Farah and Shah Rukh Khan approached Arjun Rampal, they were determined to convince him to accept the role. Despite Rampal’s initial reluctance, the filmmakers saw potential in him and thought he could fit the role perfectly. They managed to secure a private moment with him by locking him in the bathroom during the party. Farah Khan described the pitch as a mix of persistence and creative persuasion. She said, “We knew that Arjun would be a great fit, and we just had to get him on board. Locking him in the bathroom was just a way to ensure we could have a focused discussion without interruptions.”
Rampal, who was initially hesitant about taking on a negative role, eventually agreed. The role in Om Shanti Om became a defining moment in his career, showcasing his ability to take on diverse characters. Farah Khan’s approach to casting proved successful, and the film went on to become a major hit. The casting process highlighted the challenges filmmakers often face when putting together a project, especially one with high stakes like Om Shanti Om.
The film, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, received widespread acclaim for its storytelling and performances. Rampal’s portrayal of the antagonist added depth to the film, demonstrating his range as an actor. The experience underscored the lengths to which filmmakers and actors might go to achieve a successful collaboration, even if it involves unconventional methods.
In retrospect, the incident has become a memorable story within the Bollywood industry, reflecting the dedication and creative strategies employed by those involved. Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s unconventional approach to securing Arjun Rampal for the film emphasizes their commitment to the project and their innovative problem-solving skills.
The success of Om Shanti Om validated their efforts and Rampal’s performance. It also reinforced the notion that persistence and a bit of humor can go a long way in the film industry.