Filmmaker Mansoor Khan, known for hit films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, recently spoke about the casting of his 2000 movie Josh. In a new interview with PTI, he revealed that the film’s cast could have looked very different. Aamir Khan was first considered to play Aishwarya Rai’s love interest, and Kajol was originally offered the role that later went to Aishwarya. The film eventually starred Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya as twins.
Shah Rukh Khan Was Always the First Choice for Max
The director shared that SRK was always his first choice to play the role of Max in Josh. However, when he first discussed the script with Aamir Khan, Aamir assumed he would be cast as Max. Later, when Mansoor approached Shah Rukh with the same role, the actor was enthusiastic. But after realizing that Aamir might be involved, Shah Rukh stepped back from the project, which led to a change in casting plans.Kajol Wanted to Play Max, Not the Sister
Eventually, Shah Rukh came back on board to play Max, while Aamir left the project. But casting challenges continued. When Mansoor Khan offered the role of Max’s twin sister to Kajol—who had already shared blockbuster success with Shah Rukh in films like DDLJ and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai—she surprised him by walking out after the narration. When asked about taking the role, she declined, expressing interest in playing Max instead, as she felt that character carried more charm.

Aishwarya Rai’s Professionalism Sealed the Deal
Things finally fell into place when Mansoor Khan approached Aishwarya for the role. Unlike others, she didn’t focus on which character had more prominence. She appreciated the overall story and agreed to come on board. Her professionalism stood out, and Mansoor believes Josh was one of her finest performances.
The filmmaker highlighted that his casting decisions are guided by conviction rather than commercial appeal. He shared that he doesn’t focus on whether the pairing will be a box-office hit, but instead prioritizes whether he personally believes in the casting choice.

Alia Bhatt is one of the most celebrated actresses in Bollywood. In a recent conversation, Alia’s step‑brother Rahul Bhatt shared that Pooja Bhatt is more talented than Alia, and expressed his admiration for the Jigra actress for taking good care of her sister Shaheen Bhatt.
In a recent conversation with Hindi Rush, Rahul said, “In my opinion, she is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is – not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (not as good). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Rahul admitted that Alia is talented and that the universe is with her. He also praised the way she understands PR strategy. Alia’s comprehensive skill set and media savvy left a strong impression on Rahul.

Pooja, Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter from his first marriage to Kiran, was a defining screen presence in the 1990s, earning acclaim for her roles in films such as Sadak and Zakhm. Reflecting on his father’s cinematic legacy, Rahul credited Pooja with carrying it forward. “Pooja took my father’s legacy ahead. I saw her in her stardom. She was the biggest sex symbol of the country then,” he remarked.

Rahul noted that his bond with Alia does not extend to casual drop‑in visits. “I am on good terms with her. I don’t take things for granted. She is a mother now. She is very successful, and one can’t just pick up the phone and say, ‘I am coming to meet you.’ I never shared that kind of relationship with anyone. I like to maintain a certain protocol. I am happy for her. She got the right husband,” Rahul added. He called Alia a good mother and appreciated the way she is taking care of Shaheen.

Jr NTR’s stunt double, Eshwar Harris—best known for stepping in during key sequences of S. S. Rajamouli’s RRR—has turned down a role in Ayan Mukerji’s ‘War 2‘. Eshwar explained that the pay offered was so meagre that it “probably wouldn’t even cover his flight charges.”
In a conversation with Mana Stars, Eshwar recounted that the invitation came with a very tight timeline and a dismal fee. “Recently, I was asked if I would like to work on War 2. I did not do it because of the remuneration. They asked me to come to Mumbai on the next flight I could get. But the payment was so low, it probably wouldn’t even cover my flight charges.”

He went on to criticise Bollywood’s compensation practices in comparison with regional industries. “Bollywood is worse than us; I’m getting paid better here (in Hyderabad and Tollywood). You have such high budgets; you should be paying more. I was asked to work for three days, but I turned it down because it’s barely enough to cover my travel.”
Yash Raj Films’ War 2 is directed by Ayan Mukerji, while the first instalment was helmed by Siddharth Anand. It is part of the YRF Spy Universe, following Ek Tha Tiger, War and Pathaan.

Hrithik Roshan will return as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, and Jr NTR makes his Bollywood debut. Kiara Advani also features in the cast, with the film scheduled for release on August 14. Following War 2, the universe expands further with Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari.