Koffee With Karan 8 – Not Shabana Azmi but Sharmila Tagore was Karan Johar’s first choice for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani; here’s why she didn’t say yes

Even when Bollywood was ruled by action stars and films about men busy saving the world, one movie that stood tall amid all of them and was completely different was Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani. It was Karan Johar finding his redemption with a movie that he made after a 7-year break starring Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, and Shabana Azmi. But did you know the latter was actually not the first choice of the filmmaker, and he wanted Sharmila Tagore to play the part?

Well, yes. Sharmila Tagore with son Saif Ali Khan graced Koffee With Karan season 8 this week and spoke candidly about a lot of things, including the iconic bikini shoot, her life with kids and their relationships, Saif Ali Khan’s marriage with Amrita Singh and split. One of the discussions was also about Karan approaching Sharmila Tagore for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani to play Alia Bhatt’s grandmother.

Talking about the same in the episode, Karan Johar said, “I had offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. She was my very first choice. Due to health reasons at that time, she couldn’t say yes but it is a regret I have.” This came in as a surprise for everyone as this wasn’t news that was already out.

Also Read: Koffee With Karan 8 - Sharmila Tagore is all set to spill the beans about Saif Ali Khan's past romances; watch!

To this, the legendary actor replied how it was right after her battle with cancer and peak COVID. Sharmila Tagore replied, “This is at the height of Covid. They hadn’t really grappled with Covid at that time. They didn’t know the vaccine… We were not vaccinated. You know, after my cancer. So, they didn’t want me to take that risk."

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This is the first time Sharmila Tagore spoke about her battle with cancer. The legendary actor will now spend most of her time in Delhi at the Pataudi palace. She was recently seen in Gulmohar alongside Manoj Bajpayee. The movie was appreciated by the audience and critics alike. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more.

Also Read: Koffee with Karan 8 - Karan Johar discloses his most precious moment from the show and it does not feature Alia Bhatt