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.

New mum in town Athiya Shetty has now shared a concerning note on her social media amidst the ongoing shockwaves caused by the Pahalgam terror attack in the nation.
check out the post here:

On April 23, Athiya took to her Instagram story and shared a black background featuring a heartbroken emoji. She recently welcomed her baby girl, Evaarah, with her husband — cricketer KL Rahul.
The reaction came just as the whole nation is mourning the loss of around 26 individuals who were killed in the terror attack at a tourist location in India’s Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday (April 22). The incident has been labelled as one of the worst attacks in the region.

The tragic event, which took place in Pahalgam — one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the region — is now making headlines and drawing deep condolences from celebrities and politicians, including Anupam Kher and Akshay Kumar from the film fraternity.
In his video statement, Anupam shared, “What happened in Pahalgam today — the massacre of 27 Hindus, targeted and killed one by one — fills the heart with sorrow, but there are no limits to the rage and fury I feel. I’ve seen this happen far too many times in my life. This violence against Kashmiri Hindus in Kashmir. The Kashmir Files was just a faint glimpse of that reality, a small part of a much larger, painful truth. Yet, so many dismissed it as propaganda.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share his deep concern:
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will grow even stronger,” he wrote.