In a shocking revelation that uncovers one of Bollywood's most intriguing casting what-ifs, it has emerged that Salman Khan once offered Aishwarya Rai Bachchan the role of his brother in the 2000 film Josh.
The Brother Proposal That Never Was
During recent discussions about the film's casting history, director Mansoor Khan dropped the bombshell that Salman Khan envisioned Aishwarya Rai playing his sibling in the musical drama. This surprising offer came at a time when the actors were reportedly in a relationship, adding an extra layer of complexity to the proposed casting.
Multiple Khans in the Running for Lead Role
The casting revelations don't stop there. Before Salman Khan ultimately took on the dual role of twin brothers, the production team considered several other A-list actors:
- Shah Rukh Khan was a top contender for the lead role
- Aamir Khan was also approached to headline the project
- The production team envisioned a fresh pairing regardless of which Khan landed the role
Why Aishwarya's Casting Didn't Materialize
Despite Salman's unconventional suggestion, Aishwarya Rai ultimately did not join the Josh cast. The role eventually went to debutante Priya Gill, who played Salman's sister in the film. The reasons behind Aishwarya passing on the role remain part of Bollywood's untold stories.
Behind the Scenes of a Blockbuster
Josh, released in 2000, became a significant commercial success despite mixed critical reviews. The film is particularly remembered for:
- Salman Khan's impressive performance in dual roles
- Chart-topping music composed by Anu Malik
- The fresh pairing of Salman Khan with Aishwarya Rai (in different projects)
- Establishing the director's reputation for handling complex family dramas
This revelation adds another fascinating chapter to Bollywood's rich history of almost-castings and missed opportunities that continue to intrigue fans decades later.
