Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently revealed he initially rejected Aishwarya Rai for his 1999 musical blockbuster ‘Taal’ believing her Miss World background made her too "cosmetic" to play a simple village girl.
While searching for a lead actress with exceptional dancing skills, legendary choreographer Saroj Khan recommended Rai. Ghai was surprised by the suggestion. Based on her early work the filmmaker viewed the actress as belonging strictly to the modeling world and doubted her ability to carry the grounded role of Mansi.
The director’s perspective completely shifted after watching Iruvar a Tamil film directed by Mani Ratnam. After a friend suggested he watch it and Ratnam arranged a special screening for Ghai. The performance convinced Ghai that Rai was the exact fit he had been looking for.
Once cast, Ghai instructed Rai to wear zero makeup during the film’s first half to authentically portray a small-town girl with her glamour slowly increasing as the character evolves into a global diva. Ghai praised her absolute dedication and complete submission to his directorial vision also comparing her professionalism to that of megastar Amitabh Bachchan.
Featuring iconic music and co-starring Anil Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna the Taal Film ultimately became a major commercial and critical success both in India and overseas.
