A surprising casting revelation about the Bollywood blockbuster Main Hoon Na has recently come to light. Director and choreographer Farah Khan has shared that actress Sushmita Sen was not her original choice for the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

Sameera Reddy Was the Original Pick

In a recent episode of her YouTube vlog, Farah Khan revealed that her first choice for the role of Chandni was actually Sameera Reddy. Speaking directly to Sameera, Farah recalled being mesmerized by her appearance in the music video Aahista Kijiye Baatein, where she was dressed in traditional Indian attire.

Farah explained that she felt Sameera perfectly fit the elegance and grace required for Chandni, the college professor in Main Hoon Na, and had strongly considered casting her.

Why Sameera Reddy Didn’t Get the Role

When Sameera asked why she wasn’t eventually cast, Farah clarified that circumstances had changed by the time the film went into production. Sameera had already made her Bollywood debut in Maine Dil Tujhko Diya, opposite Sohail Khan.

Because Sameera’s career trajectory and project lineup had shifted, the final decision went in favor of Sushmita Sen.

Mixed Emotions for Sameera

Sameera Reddy reacted with surprise and happiness on learning about this missed opportunity, though she also admitted to feeling a tinge of regret. Main Hoon Na went on to become one of the biggest hits of that era, and the role of Chandni remains one of Sushmita Sen’s most iconic performances—especially remembered for her graceful sari look.

About Main Hoon Na

Released in 2004, Main Hoon Na was Farah Khan’s directorial debut and a massive commercial success. The film marked the first production from Red Chillies Entertainment. Shah Rukh Khan played Major Ram Prasad Sharma, while the ensemble cast included Zayed Khan, Amrita Rao, and Sunil Shetty.