The 2007 released ‘
Om Shanti Om
,’ played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Shah Rukh Khan,
Deepika Padukone
, and director
Farah Khan
. However, it has its own tale of challenges and fun-packed anecdotes, especially concerning casting the film’s villain, a role eventually secured by
Arjun Rampal
.
In a candid interview with Shemaroo, Farah Khan recounted the stressful yet amusing experience of casting Arjun Rampal as Mukesh Mehra, the film’s primary villain.
This crucial decision was heavily influenced by Shah Rukh Khan, who played an instrumental role in the casting process.
Farah Khan revealed that the casting of the antagonist was a last-minute decision. With only days before the shoot was scheduled to start, Farah was desperate as numerous actors had already turned down the role. She explained, “It was a necessity for us. We were running out of options, and the set was ready to start shooting on January 6th.”
The urgency of the situation led to an unconventional casting session that took place in Shah Rukh Khan’s bathroom during a New Year’s Eve party at his house. Farah elaborated, “On the night of December 31st, at Shah Rukh’s party, we spotted Arjun Rampal. We pulled him into the bathroom, locked the door, and narrated the story to him.” Despite their persuasive efforts, Rampal initially declined the role, finding it too villainous. However, Shah Rukh Khan’s persistence paid off as he convinced Rampal to reconsider, and just two days before the costume fittings, Rampal agreed to take on the role of Mukesh Mehra.
Farah Khan also shared insights about casting Deepika Padukone, who debuted in Bollywood with ‘Om Shanti Om’. She recalled noticing Deepika in an advertisement for the first time and was immediately struck by her potential. When Deepika arrived at Khan’s house for the first meeting, she made a simple yet lasting impression, dressed in a salwar kameez.
Interestingly, Deepika was initially considered for another project Farah was working on, ‘Happy New Year’. However, due to delays in that film’s production, Deepika was cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Om Shanti Om’. This decision proved to be serendipitous, as Deepika’s performance was met with critical acclaim, cementing her place in the industry.
The casting anecdotes from ‘Om Shanti Om’ underscore the unpredictable and often whimsical nature of the film industry. The bathroom meeting, the eleventh-hour decisions, and the fortunate casting choices all contributed to creating a film that remains beloved by audiences. These behind-the-scenes stories add an extra layer of charm to the film, highlighting the dedication and resourcefulness of those involved in its creation.
‘Om Shanti Om’ is not just remembered for its box office success and its engaging storyline but also for the extraordinary efforts and unconventional methods that went into making it. The film stands as a testament to the creativity and resilience of Bollywood filmmakers, and its legacy continues to inspire both fans and aspiring filmmakers alike.
