New Delhi . Subhash Ghai's film 'Taal', released in 1999, is still included in the popular films of Hindi cinema. Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna and Anil Kapoor were seen in the lead roles in the film. The film got special recognition among the audience due to the music, story and performance of the actors. Now, on the occasion of completion of 27 years of the film, Subhash Ghai has shared an old anecdote related to its casting.
Subhash Ghai told that choreographer Saroj Khan had an important role in choosing Aishwarya Rai for 'Taal'. At that time, Aishwarya had made her own identity in the world of beauty and glamor after winning the title of Miss World. The director was looking for a face who could fulfill the dance requirements of the film along with acting.
According to Ghai, at that time four-five names were in front of him for the role of the actress. He had asked Saroj Khan who other than Madhuri Dixit could be suitable for this role. Saroj Khan suggested the name of Aishwarya Rai. After this Ghai chose Aishwarya for the film.
However, Aishwarya's glamorous image at that time was also a challenge for the director. Ghai wanted the audience not to see her only as Miss World or an actress associated with the glamor world. According to the needs of the character of the film, he wanted to present his screen image in a completely different way.
In this context, Subhash Ghai had told Aishwarya that he wanted to change her image. He decided to show Aishwarya without makeup in the initial part of the film. His aim was not to hide the real beauty of the actress, but to bring out the simplicity and natural look of the character.
Ghai told that Aishwarya cooperated on this creative decision. Her look in the film was kept apart from her already established glamorous identity. This change was part of an effort to give his character a more natural look in the story.
According to Subhash Ghai, the casting of Akshaye Khanna in 'Taal' was also done through a different process. Akshay was in the initial phase of his career at that time. His father and actor Vinod Khanna brought him to Ghai's house and recommended him for a chance in film.
Ghai told that he liked Akshay in the first meeting. He saw a seriousness and a different kind of intensity in the actor, which was necessary for the character in the film. After this Akshay got an important role in the film.
'Taal' was a musical romantic drama written, produced and directed by Subhash Ghai. The music of the film was composed by AR Rahman and many of its songs remained popular for a long time. The film received good commercial success in India as well as in overseas markets.
The success of the film also gave significant recognition to the careers of Aishwarya Rai and Akshaye Khanna. For Aishwarya, 'Taal' was one of those films in which she was presented in a style different from her established glamorous identity. Subhash Ghai's recent revelations also reveal that a different approach was adopted from the beginning regarding the film's casting and presentation of characters.