Not Ajay Devgn, These Actors Were The First Choice For Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

The concept of love triangles in Bollywood movies are not as popular as they used to be. This particular premise lasted for decades. It was at its peak during the 90s, when many romantic films with this theme were a staple. One such cult film that was a huge critical and commercial success was Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 1999 film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The film starred Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and Aishwarya Rai. Ajay Devgn won audiences’ hearts playing a compassionate husband. Did you know he was not the first choice for the role? According to reports, the part played by Ajay Devgn was first offered to three other stars of that era. The role was initially offered to Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Shah Rukh Khan, but all three turned down the role. The reason behind their rejections are not known.

It was from this movie that Salman and Aishwarya got reportedly close, which resulted in a much publicised relationship. In the film, Salman’s character (Sameer) does not win the woman of his dreams; in the surprising climax, Nandini (Aishwarya) decides to be with Vanraj (Ajay Devgn). In the movie, Nandini and Vanraj are shown as an unhappily married couple. Nandini is still in love with her ex Sameer. Vanraj decides to sacrifice his love and helps his wife reunite with her ex-lover.

The climax of this blockbuster film had won the hearts of the audience. Even today people have not been able to forget the chemistry of Sameer and Nandini in the film. Reportedly, Salman Khan had expressed displeasure with the climax of the film, as he felt his character should have gotten together with Nandini in the end.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam also had a very successful soundtrack with evergreen songs like Tadap Tadap, Chand Chupa Badal Mein and Aankhon ki Gustakhiyan. An incident related to the song Tadap Tadap was once shared by senior cinematographer Anil Mehta. Salman Khan had to lie on sand, which was scorching hot. Nobody thought that an actor of the stature of Salman Khan would agree to lie on the hot sand but not only did he do it but also asked for more sand to be poured on his body to add more aesthetics to the scene.