On the latest edition of Screen Spotlight, filmmaker Kunal Kohli revisited the journey of making his beloved romantic comedy Hum Tum, shedding light on its casting challenges and the uncertainty surrounding its now-iconic lead character.
The 2004 film, which eventually starred Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji, went on to become a defining rom-com of its time. However, Kohli revealed that the path to finalising the male lead was far from straightforward.
Addressing rumours about multiple actors turning down the role, Kohli clarified that Aamir Khan never actually heard the script. “No, Aamir actually didn’t hear the script, to be fair to him. He was going through his first divorce with Reena Dutta then. So, he wasn’t in the right frame of mind,” he said.
The more surprising revelation, however, was about Hrithik Roshan, who was initially offered the role and was highly impressed by the script. Despite recognising its potential, the actor chose to step away.
“Hrithik Roshan really loved the script. But he was just not ready to do it. Because he said, ‘I’m not sure how my character in Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon would come out or be accepted,’ which it wasn’t. My own film, Mujhse Dosti Karoge! hadn’t worked with him. But he said, ‘This film is pure gold! I don’t have the confidence to do it right now. I’m not in that space.’ So, he gave it a pass,” Kohli recalled.
The filmmaker also spoke about considering Vivek Oberoi during the casting process. At the time, Oberoi was riding high on the success of films like Company and Saathiya, making him a strong contender. However, things didn’t align.
“Vivek Oberoi was a very big star at that time. He’s a very accomplished actor now as well. But this was right after Company (2002) and Saathiya (2002). He kept coming in and going out for various reasons. And then we zeroed in on Saif,” Kohli said.
Eventually, the role went to Saif Ali Khan, whose portrayal of the charming, commitment-phobic cartoonist not only resonated with audiences but also earned him the National Award, a decision that sparked its own share of debate over the years.
Looking back, Kohli’s revelations highlight how Hum Tum almost had a very different face, and how timing, confidence, and circumstance played a crucial role in shaping one of Bollywood’s most loved romantic films.
Also Read: Hrithik Roshan, Eshaan Roshan back Mess, a comedy set for Prime Video
More Pages: Hum Tum Box Office Collection , Hum Tum Movie Review
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