SRK, Farah Khan pitched Om Shanti Om bathroom.

“Om Shanti Om,” directed by Farah Khan, stands as one of the most successful films of 2007. The movie boasts an impressive cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Shreyas Talpade, Kirron Kher, and Arjun Rampal. This film not only marked a significant milestone in the careers of its lead actors but also showcased the directorial prowess of Farah Khan. While the film’s success is well-documented, the journey to casting the perfect antagonist was fraught with challenges.

The Challenge of Casting Arjun Rampal

In an old interview, Farah Khan revealed the stress she faced while casting the villain for “Om Shanti Om.” Initially, several actors declined the role of the antagonist. Farah explained the necessity of having a hero as good-looking as Shah Rukh Khan to play the villain, especially since Deepika Padukone’s character leaves SRK’s character for the antagonist.

Farah recounted the dramatic last-minute casting of Arjun Rampal. During Shah Rukh Khan’s New Year’s Eve party, they seized the opportunity to pitch the role to Rampal. She shared, “On the 31st night (December), there was a party at Shah Rukh’s house, and we saw Arjun Rampal. We caught him, took him to Shah Rukh’s bathroom, locked the door, and narrated the story to him.” Despite their efforts, Rampal initially declined, finding the role too villainous. However, with persistent persuasion from Shah Rukh Khan, Rampal eventually agreed. Just two days before his costume fitting, Rampal was confirmed to play Mukesh Mehra, the film’s antagonist.

Deepika Padukone’s Breakthrough Role

“Om Shanti Om” also marked the Hindi film debut of Deepika Padukone. Farah Khan revealed that she noticed Padukone in an advertisement and was immediately convinced of her potential for success. When Deepika visited Khan’s house, she made an impression in a simple salwar kameez. Although Farah was initially working on another project, “Happy New Year,” which got postponed, she decided to cast Deepika opposite Shah Rukh Khan in “Om Shanti Om.”

The casting decisions proved to be pivotal for the film’s success. Deepika’s performance garnered widespread acclaim, establishing her as a prominent figure in Bollywood. Similarly, Arjun Rampal’s portrayal of Mukesh Mehra added depth and intensity to the film.

“Om Shanti Om” remains a beloved classic, not just for its engaging storyline and memorable performances but also for the behind-the-scenes efforts and decisions that shaped its success. Farah Khan’s ability to navigate casting challenges and recognize budding talent contributed significantly to the film’s enduring legacy.