‘Fanaa’, starring Aamir Khan and Kajol, is set to complete 20 years this year. As the milestone approaches, director Kunal Kohli recently looked back at the film and reflected on why such stories are rarely attempted in today’s industry. But did you know, producer Aditya Chopra was not keen on casting Aamir for the film. Kohli expressed concern over the lack of risk-taking in modern filmmaking, calling the current scenario “sad.” He pointed out that projects like ‘Fanaa’ would be difficult to back today due to their unconventional storytelling. “It’s just sad heroes and producers are shying away from subjects that are bold and different. Because in Fanaa, the hero isn’t a hero, he’s a villain. It’s the love story of a terrorist. And there’s no salvation. He gets shot dead by the woman he loves and the woman who loves him,” he said.
The filmmaker also opened up about the casting process and how bringing Aamir Khan on board wasn’t an easy decision initially. Producer Aditya Chopra had his reservations. Recalling their conversation, Kohli shared, “When I wanted to go to Aamir, Adi (Aditya Chopra, producer) wasn’t very keen. He said, “Arey yaar! Wo time pass karega. Tujhe apni god mein bithaega 6 mahine ke liye, phir nahi karega. Bahut time waste hoga. Tumhe time waste karna hai, tum karo.” And things like, “Achha, tumhari ek picture hit ho gayi, tumhe Aamir Khan chahiye?” (laughs). I said I wanted him in the first one too. And since I got Hrithik Roshan in the first one, why should I not go to Aamir Khan now?” he added.
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Despite the initial hesitation, Kohli revealed that Aamir immediately connected with the story. “Aamir heard the story within a week. He asked me to write the script in Urdu insted of English. I finished the draft within a week, but went back to him after two weeks because I didn’t want him to think I wrote the dialogues within a week. He questioned a lot whether I’m the right person to direct because I hadn’t done something like that before. He asked Adi, “If you’ve got a subject like this in your company, why are you not directing it?” Adi said, “Because I don’t think anyone can do it better than Kunal,” the filmmaker shared.Released in 2006, ‘Fanaa’ told the story of Rehan, a charismatic Delhi-based guide who falls in love with Zooni, a visually impaired woman from Kashmir. Their romance takes a dark turn when his true identity as a terrorist is revealed. The film struck a chord with audiences, going on to earn over Rs 100 crore worldwide and emerging as one of the biggest box office successes of its time. Even the music of the film was highly appreciated.
