When Aamir Khan thought Kajol was 'pathetic' and a 'brat'

Aamir Khan and Kajol starred opposite each other for the first time in Kunal Kohli’s Fanaa 15 years ago.

Aamir Khan and Kajol starred opposite each other for the first time in Kunal Kohli’s Fanaa. And just thinking about that film, one is instantly reminded of their onscreen chemistry, which was amplified by the music composed by Salim-Suleiman.

But as the film completes its 15 years today, we are reminded of the time Aamir spoke about how, the moment he heard of the film’s script, he knew Kajol was fit for the role. “When I heard the script for the first time, I said there is only one person I can see in the role of Zooni and that is Kajol,” he said in a video posted by YRF Films on YouTube.

“But there is only one problem, if she will do the film, I might not be in it,” he added. “And if she gets to know I am a part of the film, she will say no as well,” he remarked. But why would two great actors refuse to work with each other? “We both have a very different style of acting,” said Aamir.

He then revealed that his first impression of Kajol was quite negative. “My impression of you was pathetic. I felt that you are a brat and difficult to deal with. After doing Fanaa, it has changed. It was a pleasure to work with you, which is very rare,” the actor confessed.

Back in the day, Kunal had also told The Hindustan Times that he wasn’t sure Kajol would agree to do Fanaa because she was offered Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (KANK).

“Karan [Johar] was casting for KANK at that time, and since Kajol and he were thick friends, Adi (Aditya Chopra) and I thought she would work in that film. But when we approached her, she gave her nod at the first narration,” he said.

To date, Fanaa is the first and the last film that saw both the actors starring against each other. “So convincing both Aamir and Kajol, and having them on board for the film remains my best memory of Fanaa,” Kunal told the outlet.

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