Director Subhash Ghai has uncovered that he first portrayed the story of Pardes to Madhuri Dixit, yet later chose to go for a new face, rather than an established star. Monday marked the 25th anniversary of the movie’s release. Featuring Mahima Choudhry and Shah Rukh Khan in lead roles, the movie was Subhash’s Ghai’s directorial.
In an interview that he did for his acting school Whistling Woods International, Subhash said, “I initially narrated the story and the character of Kusum Ganga to Madhuri Dixit and she liked it the story. Madhuri was already a big star by that time. People in my office also suggested we take her.”
He added, “But when I elaborated on it and wrote the complete characterisation, – a young and innocent village girl. A girl who sees an airplane in the sky and thinks of going to America, a girl who wants to go to the US because her friends have also been married there…someone who dreams of being married and going to America. But she also is innocence of an adolescent girl. I realised I would not get that innocence from a star and a newcomer would easily do it. Mahima Chouhdry did it.”
The director likewise shared Mahima’s innocent laughter impressed him and he chose to take her. He said that individuals in his office suggested he should get stars, so the project becomes bigger and earns more money, yet he stayed with his decision.
Subhash Ghai likewise said Shah Rukh Khan was not at first prepared to ditch his jeans and flamboyant shirts, and wear trousers for his character. “Shah Rukh ko takleef thi ki film me trouser kyu pehna rahe (SRK had a problem wearing trousres), why not jeans?”
Sharing the interview, Subhash tweeted, “Sharing my real experiences with you in casting my stars in my film #PARDES released on 8 Aug 1997. Celebrating its silver jubilee as it’s still one of the most favourite film for youngsters n families on its 25 th year today. Please WATCH. “
Sharing my real experiences with you in casting my stars in my film #PARDES released on 8 Aug 1997
— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) August 7, 2022
Celebrating its SILVER JUBILEE YEAR AS it’s still one of the most favourite film for youngsters n families on its 25 th year today
Please WATCH https://t.co/JwqOt7OHpo
