Kareena didn’t back out of 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai', she was asked to leave: Ameesha Patel

In the world of Bollywood, stories of casting changes and behind-the-scenes drama often remain shrouded in mystery. One such tale is that of Kareena Kapoor Khan's initial inclusion in the iconic film Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. However, recent revelations by Ameesha Patel have shed new light on the circumstances surrounding Kareena's departure from the film.

Kareena, who made her Bollywood debut with the film Refugee in 2000, was originally intended to make her grand entry with Rakesh Roshan's Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, opposite the then-newcomer Hrithik Roshan. However, her departure from the project after filming for a few days raised questions, and Ameesha Patel eventually stepped in to replace her.

While initial reports suggested that Kareena's decision to exit the film was influenced by her mother, who allegedly had reservations about the project's direction, Ameesha's recent interview with Bollywood Bubble presents a different perspective. Ameesha claimed that according to Rakesh Roshan, Kareena Kapoor was asked to leave the film due to creative differences.

In her interview, Ameesha disclosed, "Actually, she didn't back out. From what Rakesh ji told me, he asked her to leave the film because they were having differences. And Pinkie aunty, his wife and Hrithik's mom, said that they were shocked because the set was ready, and a replacement Sonia had to be found in three days, and crores of rupees (had been spent) on that set, and it was Hrithik's debut, and everyone was really stressed. Pinky aunty told me that the day Rakesh saw me at the wedding, he did not sleep all night. He was like 'I got my Sonia, I got my Sonia, but I hope she says yes'."

Ameesha further expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Rakesh, saying, "Rakesh uncle always says, 'This girl paid attention to everything I taught her on sets.' He always praises me and says I was a blessing in disguise." The casting twist was not merely a product of fate; Ameesha recounted how her first encounter with Rakesh was at a wedding. She was just a teenager and he had told her then that he would cast her in a film when she was old enough.

As per Indian Express, Kareena had previously expressed relief over not being a part of Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai because “the film was made for Hrithik." She recalled, "His dad spent five hours on every frame and close-up of his, whereas not even five seconds were spent on Ameesha. There are portions in the film where she has pimples and under-eye bags on her face. She just doesn’t look beautiful, but every shot of his was a dream. So, I’m glad I didn’t do the film.”

Ameesha Patel has been reveling in the success of Gadar 2, which has earned nearly INR 500 crores. Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan is gearing up for her upcoming Netflix thriller Jaane Jaan.