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Here’s Why Rakesh Roshan Replaced Gulshan Grover in Karan Arjun

November 21, 2024: The iconic Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan-starrer Karan Arjun is gearing up for a grand re-release in theaters on November 22, nearly three decades after its original debut in 1995. The blockbuster film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, remains a timeless favorite among fans. Recently, Rakesh Roshan revealed why Gulshan Grover, initially cast in the film, was replaced midway through production.

Rakesh Roshan Opens Up About Firing Gulshan Grover

In a candid interview with Siddharth Kannan, Rakesh Roshan shared his reasons for parting ways with Gulshan Grover during the making of Karan Arjun. The celebrated filmmaker described Gulshan as a “fine actor” but said his chronic tardiness created hurdles on set.

“Gulshan Grover is a very fine actor. He was my first choice for the film,” Rakesh said. “But at that time, he was juggling many films. For an 11 am reporting time, he would show up at 4 pm. This happened for a couple of days, and then I told him that this cannot continue. He suggested I shoot a few close-up shots and let him go. But I said, ‘I cannot make a film like this.’ So, I told him, ‘Let’s part ways.’ He understood and left the project amicably.”

How Aasif Sheikh Brought “What a Joke!” to Life

After Gulshan Grover’s departure, actor Aasif Sheikh was brought on board to fill the role. Rakesh recalled mentoring the relatively new actor and how he encouraged him to add a now-famous line to the film organically.

“I explained the role to Aasif and told him about a line, ‘What a joke!’ I didn’t include it in the script or prompt him. I asked him to use it whenever he felt it fit naturally,” Rakesh said. “He only used the line when he felt it was right, and it clicked perfectly. That approach worked, and the line became memorable.”

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

Karan Arjun, produced under Rakesh Roshan’s Filmkraft Productions, became a massive hit not only for its gripping story but also for its stellar ensemble cast. Alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, the film featured Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Raakhee, Amrish Puri, Johnny Lever, and Ranjeet.

As fans await the re-release of this iconic film, the anecdotes from behind the scenes only add to the legacy of Karan Arjun, reminding audiences of the passion and effort that went into creating this timeless classic.