December 9, 2024: The iconic image of Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora dancing atop a moving train in Chaiyya Chaiyya from Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se has remained etched in Bollywood history. However, few know that Malaika was not the first choice for this legendary number. Actress Shilpa Shirodkar recently revealed that she was initially considered for the role but was later rejected due to her weight.
Shilpa’s Revelation on Bigg Boss 18
During the latest episode of Bigg Boss 18, Shilpa Shirodkar shared the backstory of her missed opportunity. Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan, who temporarily hosted the show, approached Shilpa in the late '90s to star alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the AR Rahman-composed song. Shilpa recalled Farah asking her to lose weight to fit the role.
“I was approached for Chaiyya Chaiyya,” Shilpa told her fellow contestants Chum Darang and Karanveer Mehra. However, after a week or so, Farah rejected her. Recounting the conversation, Shilpa quoted Farah: “You are too fat for the song.”
Malaika Arora Steps In
Following Shilpa’s rejection, Malaika Arora was cast in the now-iconic role. Karanveer Mehra jokingly asked Shilpa, “If you had done the song, would the train have stopped?” Shilpa brushed it off, noting that only Farah and Dil Se director Mani Ratnam could explain the true reasoning behind her rejection.
The Legacy of Chaiyya Chaiyya
Released in 1998 as part of Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se, Chaiyya Chaiyya became a cultural phenomenon. Sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi, with lyrics penned by Gulzar, the song was choreographed by Farah Khan, who went on to win a Filmfare Award for her work. The track remains one of AR Rahman’s most celebrated compositions.
In a 2020 interview, Malaika Arora stated that Chaiyya Chaiyya should never be recreated. “It’s iconic and untouched for a reason,” she said.
Shilpa’s Takeaway
Though she missed out on the opportunity, Shilpa Shirodkar has no regrets. She acknowledged the song’s enduring legacy and praised the effort of the cast and crew. Her candid revelation provides a glimpse into Bollywood’s past, where body image played a significant role in casting decisions.
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