The casting switch in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai has remained a topic of intrigue even 25 years after the film's release. Kareena Kapoor Khan, originally set to star opposite Hrithik Roshan, was replaced by Ameesha Patel, who made her Bollywood debut with the blockbuster. While the film catapulted both Hrithik and Ameesha into stardom, the story behind Kareena's exit continues to spark discussion.
For years, rumours swirled that Kareena walked out of the project due to differences between her mother, Babita Kapoor, and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. However, Ameesha Patel later claimed in an interview with Bollywood Bubble that Kareena didn’t voluntarily leave but was asked to step down. “Actually, she (Kareena) didn’t back out. From what Rakesh ji told me, he asked her to leave the film because they were having differences,” she said. Rakesh Roshan, on his part, only cited Babita's “interference” as the reason for Kareena’s departure in his interviews.
After Kareena's exit, Rakesh Roshan acted swiftly, casting Ameesha Patel within three days. The decision proved fruitful, as Ameesha and Hrithik’s on-screen chemistry as Sonia and Rohit/Raj became a highlight of the film. The duo’s performances, coupled with Hrithik’s iconic dance moves and Rakesh Roshan’s direction, turned Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai into a massive success.
Although Kareena missed out on Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, she debuted later that year with Refugee opposite Abhishek Bachchan, earning her Best Female Debut awards. Hrithik and Kareena eventually shared the screen in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), followed by other projects like Yaadein and Mujhse Dosti Karoge!.
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