Karan Johar reveals Sridevi was initially cast in Kalank. During the launch event for the book Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess, filmmaker Karan Johar made a poignant revelation about the late actress Sridevi’s involvement in his film Kalank. Karan Johar shared that Sridevi was originally set to portray the character of Bahaar Begum, a role that eventually went to Madhuri Dixit.
Karan Johar elaborated on the casting decision, explaining that Sridevi had agreed to take on the role and was actively preparing for it. The character of Bahaar Begum is significant in the film, being a high-ranking courtesan in a historical setting with a complex narrative, including having an illegitimate son. This character was also central to one of the film’s major musical numbers, highlighting the prominence of the role.
Karan Johar expressed his deep admiration for Sridevi and his enthusiasm for collaborating with her. He described the preparation phase as a series of productive sessions and noted how much he looked forward to working with the legendary actress. Unfortunately, their plans were abruptly affected by Sridevi’s untimely passing in February, just as the film was scheduled to begin production in April.
Following Sridevi’s death, Karan Johar and his team faced a challenging period of adjustment. He mentioned that there was a pause in decision-making for a month as they processed the loss and considered the future of the project. It was during this time that the team eventually decided to cast Madhuri Dixit in the role of Bahaar Begum.
Karan Johar’s account highlights the significant impact of Sridevi’s passing on the film industry and the Kalank project. The revelation serves as a reminder of the profound void left by the actress and the difficult choices faced by filmmakers in the wake of such losses. Despite the changes in casting, Johar’s reflections underscore his respect for Sridevi and the creative process involved in bringing Kalank to fruition.