Premium25 years of Soldier: Did you know before Preity Zinta THESE sisters rejected the lead role opposite Bobby Deol?
Bollywood producer Ramesh Taurani revealed the casting challenges behind Soldier's leading lady.
Last Updated: 09.21 PM, Nov 20, 2023
1998 was the year that saw many films that have a lasting impact even now. This was the year when Preity Zinta made her acting debut with Mani Ratnam's Dil Se, and in the next few months, she also played the female lead in Soldier opposite Bobby Deol. However, during an interview, producer Ramesh Taurani revealed that she was not the first choice for the film, but Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Kareena Kapoor Khan: The initial choice for Soldier
The veteran producer told Bollywood Hungama that, despite her beauty, she was not the first pick. Taurani had spoken with Babita about signing her daughter Kareena, and she was very receptive. As she was very young, her mother said no, and Kareena had just turned 16 at the time. He tried to convince Babita that this was a significant undertaking because of the high-profile people involved. But she didn't budge, because she was adamant that Kareena finish school. Hence, Taurani recommended that they would like to visit Karisma Kapoor then. Due to a disagreement over Karisma's fees, they were unable to sign her.
However, the ace producer continued, Bobby was happy to have Preity in the film. Taurani considered her as well, but he was worried about casting two newcomers in the film. Abbas-Mustan decided to meet her just this once. They were overjoyed to finally meet her. The senior producer was then told, "Issi ladki ko film mein lete hai." The director duo said there wouldn't be any issues, and he believes them.
Preity's welcomed presence
That's how Preity came on board for Soldier. They gave her half as much in Soldier as they did for Kya Kehna (2000). Taurani told her that Soldier is a very pricey movie and that it's out of their price range. She enthusiastically agreed.
It's been 25 years since Soldier was released on the big screen, and now the film is considered a cult classic.