Filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan, in her YouTube vlogs, shared that she had once thought of casting actress Sameera Reddy for the role eventually played by Sushmita Sen in her 2004 film “Main Hoon Na”. During a recent chat with Sameera on her YouTube channel, Farah mentioned noticing Sameera in the popular music video “Ahista”. Farah expressed that she had initially considered Sameera for the role that later went to Sushmita Sen, citing her Indian attire in the song “Aahista Kijiye Baatein”.
Farah’s revelation surprised Sameera, who questioned why she wasn’t chosen for the role. Farah explained that circumstances had changed as Sameera had already committed to another film, “Maine Dil Tujhko Diya”, by then. Sameera, while thrilled, also felt disappointed upon learning about Farah’s initial consideration.
“Main Hoon Na”, Farah Khan’s directorial debut, featured Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role and emerged as a major success in 2004. Sushmita Sen portrayed the character of Chandni, a stylish college professor known for her saree-clad glamorous appearance, which became widely popular. Sameera Reddy, who entered Bollywood with “Maine Dil Tujhko Diya”, later appeared in movies like “Darna Mana Hai”, “Musafir”, “No Entry”, and “Race” before taking a break from mainstream cinema. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sameera relocated to Goa with her family but continues to travel to Mumbai for work.
