Aishwarya Rai Bachchan almost backed out of Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, reveals Anil Kapoor: 'Satish Kaushik and I went to her home...'

Anil Kapoor marked a special milestone on Saturday as he took to Instagram to celebrate 25 years of his hit film Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai. Released on August 24, 2000, the film starred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Satish Kaushik and Sonali Bendre in pivotal roles.Directed by Satish Kaushik, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai revolved around sensitive issues such as rape, single parenting and finding love amidst life’s challenges. Despite its serious subject matter, the film carried Bollywood’s signature masala entertainment, making it a commercial success with audiences at the time. Aishwarya played Preeti, while Anil essayed the role of Avinash.Aishwarya almost backed outSharing a collage of stills from the movie, Anil wrote, “Looking back at Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai as it completes 25 years, my heart is filled with memories of my dearest friend Satish Kaushik. I still remember how Aishwarya became a part of this special journey. While we were shooting Taal, I was struck by her incredible talent and suggested her name to Naidu Saab and Satish ji. At first, there were some reservations, but once Satish saw her on set, he was convinced. The rest, as they say, is history.”Anil further revealed that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan nearly stepped away from the project just before the shoot began. “Satish and I went to her home, had a heartfelt conversation, and thankfully, she decided to stay on board. And I’m so glad she did, because her performance was phenomenal and the film went on to become a super hit,” he shared.The post also carried a heartfelt tribute to Satish Kaushik, who directed the film and shared a decades-long friendship with Anil. “Grateful for the memories, the magic we created, and for my friend Satish, whom I miss dearly every day,” Anil added.Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai was Anil and Aishwarya’s second outing together after the hit musical Taal. The film went on to become one of the defining romantic dramas of the early 2000s.