DDLJ Interesting Facts: Shah Rukh Was Not The First Choice, Saroj Khan Was Replaced By Farah Khan

The iconic film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was a cult classic which is still one of the best films in the history of Indian cinema. The film launched Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol to superstardom and reinstated our faith in love. Every woman wished for a man like Raj in her life, and even after so many years of its release, the film still holds a lot of emotion in the hearts of millions.

This is one of the reasons that this classic romantic film is still running in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir cinema hall. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, directed by Aditya Chopra and released on October 20, 1995, is making headlines again as it is all set to become the first Indian film to be commemorated at London’s prestigious Scenes in the Square movie trail. On the occasion of the film’s 30th anniversary, a bronze statue of the iconic pair, Raj and Simran, will be unveiled at Leicester Square, London.

The film gets global recognition and underscores the cultural impact of Bollywood on the international community. Today, let us look at some rare and interesting facts about the iconic film, which is the longest-running movie in the history of Indian cinema.

#1. Shah Rukh Khan was not the first choice for the role of ‘Raj’

DDLJ marked the directorial debut of Yash Chopra’s elder son, Aditya Chopra. The pivotal roles ‘Raj’ and ‘Simran’ were played by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. With the film, Shah Rukh became the national crush, but do you know Shah Rukh was not the first choice? Initially, Aditya wished to see Hollywood star, Tom Cruise play the role, but Yash Chopra turned down the idea. The film was later offered to Saif, who turned it down. The film eventually went to SRK.

#2. Kirron Kher suggested Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’s title

DDLJ began the trend of long titles in the 90s, as many films had small titles. It was actress, Kirron Kher who had suggested the title Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Her husband, Anupam Kher played Raj’s father, ‘Dharamvir Malhotra’ in the film.

#3. Saroj Khan was replaced by Farah Khan

Saroj Khan was originally roped in for the choreography, but there were a lot of creative differences between her and Aditya Chopra. When the differences peaked, she was replaced by Farah Khan. It was Farah, who choreographed the iconic song, ‘Ruk Ja O Dil Deewane’.

#4. Kajol didn’t know she was going to be dropped in a song

At the end of the iconic son, ‘Ruk Ja O Dil Deewane’, Shah Rukh Khan drops Kajol. It was part of the choreography, and everyone on the crew knew about it except Kajol. Aditya didn’t tell Kajol that Shah Rukh was going to drop her at the end of the song as he wanted to capture her genuine reaction. The look on her face when she sat down after he dropped her was real.

#5. Kajol was reluctant to shoot ‘Mere Khwabon Me Jo Aaye’ in just a towel

The song, 'Mere Khwabon Me Jo Aaye', featured a sequence of Kajol dancing in a towel. However, the actress didn’t like the idea of wearing just a towel. However, Aditya Chopra convinced Kajol, and the song turned out to be good.

#6. Aditya Chopra wrote 'DDLJ' in just four weeks

DDLJ was Aditya Chopra’s brainchild, and the ace filmmaker completed writing the film in just four weeks. Karan Johar once stated that Aditya would discuss the film with him every day, but it was clear what he wanted.

#7. Raj and Simran’s car ride through Zurich also had a special guest

In the film, Raj and Simran were seen enjoying a drive through Zurich in his red car after missing their train. Well, they were not the only people in it. The scene also featured Aditya Chopra lying in the backseat to monitor the close-up shot of Raj and Simran.

#8. 'DDLJ' is the first Indian film to have a televised screening of its making

DDLJ was the first film to start the trend of BTS. While editing the film, Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra made a 30-minute video of the ‘making of the film’. The 30-minute video was also aired on Doordarshan.

Did you know these rare facts of the iconic film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge? Let us know.

Also Read: When Amitabh Bachchan Lifted His 'Chhoti Biwi' Jaya Bachchan On Stage During Iconic LIVE Performance

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