Farhan & Sivakarthikeyan were leads in ‘Sitaare…’ first: Aamir
The iconic film ‘Lagaan’ (2001) directed by Ashutosh Gowariker is a testament to Aamir Khan’s dedication to his craft. But did you know that Farhan Akhtar was initially chosen to play the lead role in the film’s Hindi version, while Sivakarthikeyan was slated to star in the Tamil version? Yes, you read that right! Aamir Khan revealed in a recent interview that he had initially locked Farhan Akhtar and Sivakarthikeyan as the main leads for the Hindi and Tamil versions of ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ respectively.
However, things took an unexpected turn when Aamir Khan decided to take on the role himself. But why did he change his mind, and what was Farhan Akhtar’s reaction to the sudden change? Let’s dive into the story behind one of Bollywood’s most iconic films.
Aamir Khan’s Script Changing Decisions
In a recent interview with a leading publication, Aamir Khan opened up about his initial plans for ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’. He revealed that he had initially decided to produce the film under his banner, Aamir Khan Productions, with Farhan Akhtar as the lead actor. The film was to be a remake of the 2001 film ‘Lagaan’, which was also directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
However, after the failure of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ (2022), Aamir Khan decided to revisit his plans for ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’. He shared that he read the script again and was impressed by the story, leading him to change his mind and take on the lead role himself.
Farhan Akhtar’s Reaction to the Change
When asked about his reaction to Aamir Khan’s decision to take on the lead role himself, Farhan Akhtar spoke highly of the actor’s professionalism. He revealed that Aamir Khan was “very understanding” about the situation and appreciated his work on the project.
“I was very understanding. I knew that Aamir was going to do it and I was happy to be a part of it. I was happy to have done the part that I did,” Farhan Akhtar said in the interview.
Sivakarthikeyan’s Initial Commitment
While Farhan Akhtar was initially set to star in the Hindi version, Sivakarthikeyan was chosen to play the lead role in the Tamil version. Although the film never came to fruition, Sivakarthikeyan’s commitment to the project is a testament to his dedication as an actor.
Aamir Khan’s Involvement in the Film
After changing his mind about the project, Aamir Khan became deeply involved in the making of ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’. He not only took on the lead role but also worked closely with the director, Ashutosh Gowariker, to ensure that the film was made to his standards.
The film, which was released in 2003, went on to receive critical acclaim and earned several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Aamir Khan’s performance in the film was widely praised, cementing his position as one of the most talented actors in Bollywood.
Conclusion
Aamir Khan’s decision to take on the lead role in ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ was a bold move, and it’s a testament to his dedication to his craft. The film’s success is a result of Aamir Khan’s hard work and commitment to the project.
Farhan Akhtar and Sivakarthikeyan’s initial involvement in the film is a fascinating aspect of the story, and it’s a testament to the professionalism of the actors involved. Aamir Khan’s praise for Farhan Akhtar’s understanding of the situation is a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of Bollywood.
As we look back at the making of ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, it’s clear that the film’s success was a result of the collective effort of the cast and crew. Here’s to Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Sivakarthikeyan, and the entire team behind the film for their hard work and dedication.
