When Kareena Kapoor 'Let Go' of SRK starrer ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’; Saif Ali Khan admited, ‘Can’t imagine anyone but Preity Zinta as Naina’

'Kal Ho Naa Ho' directed by Nikkhil Advani, remains one of Bollywood’s most loved romantic dramas. Written by Karan Johar and Niranjan Iyengar, the film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Preity Zinta in lead roles. The supporting cast included Jaya Bachchan, Sushma Seth, Reema Lagoo, Lillete Dubey, and Delnaaz Irani.


Set in New York City, the story followed Naina, who falls in love with Aman. A hidden truth prevents Aman from reciprocating. He instead tries to unite her with her friend Rohit.

Throwback clip of Preity Zinta

A resurfaced clip from Koffee With Karan has reignited the conversation. The video shows Karan Johar asking Preity Zinta about Kareena Kapoor Khan and her comments on the film.


Karan Johar, who produced the film, had initially approached Kareena Kapoor Khan for the role. Reports suggest that she demanded remuneration equal to Shah Rukh Khan’s fee at the time.


This reportedly led to her exit from the project. The role eventually went to Preity Zinta, who became widely associated with the character of Naina.

Preity Zinta’s iconic response

During the show, Karan Johar asked Preity Zinta, "Kareena was the first choice of the film and how did you feel actually, you know, stepping into Kareena Kapoor's shoes for the film?"


Responding candidly, the actress said, "I mean, you go to a store, you try on a pair of jeans and they fit you well. But you don't buy them, it doesn't mean they're your jeans. The next person who comes tries them on and buys them, it belongs to them".


She further added, "I remember when you called me and I said, 'Okay Can I hear the script?'. Once I heard the script, I was like, 'Why doesn't Kareena want to do this film?'. And then it was all over the place. Kareena was the first choice, Preity Zinta was the second choice. And, Kareena was saying that, 'I said no to it'. So I said, 'Okay Thank you Kareena, it doesn't matter any which way this film was in my destiny'".

Saif Ali Khan’s take

Karan Johar then asked Saif Ali Khan, who was present on the show, "And did you think Kareena or her would have been, who would have been the better Naina?"


Saif responded, "I mean now that I see the film I can't imagine anyone else except Preeti leading that part".


The situation reportedly created tension between Karan Johar and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Their differences led to a temporary fallout. However, the two later reconciled and worked together again on 'Kurbaan' which unfortunately received mixed reviews.













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