Aziz Mirza makes RARE comment on Aishwarya Rai’s exit from Chalte Chalte a day after shooting began: “These are the areas we unfortunately…”

Director Aziz Mirza has revealed that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was initially cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan in his 2003 romantic drama Chalte Chalte, but was replaced by Rani Mukerji after filming just one song. In a recent interview, Mirza shared insights into the casting change, expressing regret but remaining tight-lipped on the reasons behind Aishwarya’s exit.

A Brief Shoot and a Casting Shift Mirza, speaking to Radio Nasha, recalled, “We had only shot the ‘Prem Nagariya’ song with her. We shot for just a day.” However, Aishwarya was soon replaced by Rani Mukerji, who went on to star alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the hit film. When pressed on what went wrong, Mirza was evasive, saying, “I don’t know. Anyway, these are the areas we unfortunately…” His reluctance to elaborate has reignited curiosity about the long-speculated reasons, often linked to Aishwarya’s then-relationship with Salman Khan, who reportedly disrupted the set. Industry Dynamics and Regrets The decision to replace Aishwarya was a collective one, as Shah Rukh Khan, a co-producer, later explained in a viral video. “As a producer, my hands were tied because I am not the only producer. The collective decision of 10-11 people,” he said, expressing personal sadness over the move. “Aishwarya is very professional, but we were a little saddened by the whole affair.” Mirza also addressed not casting his frequent collaborator Juhi Chawla, stating, “I just thought people might want to see someone different. Rani was as good as ever.”

Aishwarya, in a past interview with Simi Garewal, admitted feeling “taken aback, confused, and hurt” by her abrupt removal from Chalte Chalte and other Shah Rukh Khan projects without explanation. “There were a couple of films that were supposed to happen with me. But suddenly they weren’t happening, without any reason whatsoever. I have never had the answer to why,” she said.

Also Read: 20 years of Chalte Chalte: Lalit Pandit recalls fun time with Jatin Pandit and Javed Akhtar while making music for Shah Rukh Khan-Rani Mukerji starrer

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