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Farah Khan Reveals How Malaika Arora Landed Iconic 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' Role

Choreographer-director Farah Khan revealed that the casting for the iconic 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' song was unresolved just one week before shooting. She desperately called Malaika Arora to step in, despite not knowing if she could dance, because her look was perfect. Director Mani Ratnam left the final decision to Farah, who said to "get anybody." Malaika Arora ultimately delivered a mind-blowing performance on top of a moving train alongside Shah Rukh Khan, creating one of Bollywood's most memorable songs.

Key Points: How Malaika Arora Got 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' Role Last Minute

  • Last-minute casting scramble
  • Farah Khan's desperate call
  • Mani Ratnam delegated decision
  • Malaika's mind-blowing performance
  • Song remains a dance inspiration
2 min read

When Farah Khan revealed how Malaika Arora came on board 'Chaiyya Chaiyya'

Choreographer Farah Khan reveals the frantic last-minute casting that led Malaika Arora to star in the iconic 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' song from 'Dil Se..'.

"We actually tried for a lot of people. We had no one even one week before the song was supposed to be shot. - Farah Khan"

Mumbai, Feb 2

Choreographer and director Farah Khan revealed how actress Malaika Arora came on board the iconic song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' for Mani Ratnam's "Dil Se..".

When the 'Om Shanti Om' maker appeared on the popular chat show, "Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai", she shared that they approached a lot of people for the song before Malaika was finalized at the last minute.

She added that she knew Malaika way before they shot the track.

Farah said, "We actually tried for a lot of people. We had no one even one week before the song was supposed to be shot."

The 'Main Hoon Na' maker said that she desperately called Malaika to be a part of the track, despite not knowing if she could dance or not.

"I did not even know if she could dance. But I knew that her look was right. She looks beautiful."

Farah said that in the last minute, director Mani Ratnam left the decision to her. "Get anybody".

At the end, she admitted that Malaika ended up giving a mind-blowing performance in the 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' track.

The pop-folk song was a part of the Bollywood film "Dil Se..".

The song has reportedly been adapted from the lyrics of "Tere Ishq Nachaya", written by Bulleh Shah.

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has provided the score, with lyrics penned by Gulzar. The track has been crooned by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi.

The iconic number has been performed on top of a moving train by Malaika and the protagonist Shah Rukh Khan.

Choreographed by Farah, the mesmerizing number continues to be one of the most memorable tracks, remembered for its energetic steps and deep lyrics.

It still remains an inspiration for several dance enthusiasts across the country.

"Dil Se.." further featured Manisha Koirala and Preity Zinta (debut movie) in significant roles.

The movie is the final installment in Ratnam's trilogy after "Roja" (1992) and "Bombay" (1995).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This just shows how some of the best things in Bollywood happen by chance. Imagine if someone else had done it? Wouldn't be the same. Malaika owned that song. Rahman, Gulzar, Sukhwinder Singh - what a team!
A
Aditya G
Respectfully, while the song is iconic, the article glosses over the fact it's adapted from Bulleh Shah's poetry. The original "Tere Ishq Nachaya" has such deep Sufi meaning. Wish that connection was explored more in the film's narrative, not just as a great dance number.
S
Sarah B
I remember trying to learn the steps for a college function! So difficult but so much fun. The energy is just contagious. It's incredible they pulled this off on a moving train. Pure movie magic.
K
Karthik V
Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman, Gulzar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Farah Khan – all legends in one project. 'Dil Se' was ahead of its time. The trilogy is a masterpiece of Indian cinema. We need more films with this soul.
M
Meera T
Farah Khan saying "Get anybody" and then finding Malaika is such a typical Bollywood jugaad story! 😄 It worked out so well. This song never gets old. My kids know the steps too now!

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