📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bollywood Hungama
Entertainment
Subhash Ghai says Saroj Khan pushed Aishwarya Rai for ‘Taal’, calls her ‘cosmetic’
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 30 Aug 2026, 04:18 AM
👁 2
Director Subhash Ghai disclosed that choreographer Saroj Khan recommended Aishwarya Rai for the 1999 musical drama ‘Taal’, adding that he felt she appeared ‘cosmetic’ in the role.
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai told the media that the late choreographer Saroj Khan was instrumental in getting Aishwarya Rai cast in his 1999 musical romance, Taal. Ghai said he was approached by Khan, who believed Rai’s screen presence would suit the film’s youthful vibe.
Ghai recalled that when he first met Rai, he felt her look was overly polished, describing her as “cosmetic”. Despite his initial impression, he eventually agreed to sign her, and the actress went on to deliver a performance that helped cement the film’s commercial success.
The revelation comes as part of a broader conversation about casting decisions in Bollywood during the late 1990s, highlighting the influence choreographers like Saroj Khan wielded in shaping star line‑ups. Rai’s role in Taal remains one of her early breakthroughs, leading to a string of high‑profile projects.
Industry observers noted that Ghai’s candid remarks underscore the often‑subjective nature of casting choices, where personal aesthetics can clash with strategic considerations. The director’s comments have sparked renewed interest in the behind‑the‑scenes dynamics of one of Bollywood’s iconic musical dramas.
Ghai recalled that when he first met Rai, he felt her look was overly polished, describing her as “cosmetic”. Despite his initial impression, he eventually agreed to sign her, and the actress went on to deliver a performance that helped cement the film’s commercial success.
The revelation comes as part of a broader conversation about casting decisions in Bollywood during the late 1990s, highlighting the influence choreographers like Saroj Khan wielded in shaping star line‑ups. Rai’s role in Taal remains one of her early breakthroughs, leading to a string of high‑profile projects.
Industry observers noted that Ghai’s candid remarks underscore the often‑subjective nature of casting choices, where personal aesthetics can clash with strategic considerations. The director’s comments have sparked renewed interest in the behind‑the‑scenes dynamics of one of Bollywood’s iconic musical dramas.