Sadiya Siddiqui: ‘I was already falling in love with Shah Rukh Khan’: 31 years after ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, Sadiya Siddiqui reveals why she initially turned down the film | Hindi Movie News
Sadiya Siddiqui has revisited one of the most memorable chapters of his career with an unexpected confession about ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’. The actor, who played Shah Rukh KhanNikki’s younger sister Kundan ShahThe beloved English-language romantic drama, admitted that she initially resisted the role because she was hopelessly in love with the superstar. In fact, he had his heart set on playing her romantic interest.
A childhood crush made the role difficult to accept
When Sadiya was approached for ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, she was already familiar to the audience through the Doordarshan serial ‘Humrahi’. Director Kundan Shah cast her as Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen sister, but the young actor was not thrilled with the idea.Explaining why she initially turned down the offer, Sadiya shared with SCREEN, “When I was called for the film, I was already falling in love with Shah Rukh Khan. It was total love. I wouldn’t even see anyone else. I loved him and I still love him.”He even told the filmmaker the real reason for his hesitation.“Because I don’t have those feelings for him. And in my eyes, you’re going to see the real feelings, and that wouldn’t work. I was surprised that I had the courage to tell him that so directly. So he started laughing.”
She tried to convince the director to cast her as Anna
Instead of playing Nikki, Sadiya hoped to portray Anna, the female lead that Suchitra Krishnamoorthi eventually essayed. Believing that she could change Kundan Shah’s mind, she arrived the next day dressed to look older than her age.Recalling the funny incident, she shared, “The next day, I picked out my best outfit. I put on makeup and curled my hair. I looked like a cartoon, a little girl trying to look older. She laughed and said, ‘No, you’re going to play the sister.’ She didn’t give me the option not to do the part.”Despite her disappointment, Sadiya said she eventually embraced the character and trusted her acting skills to separate fiction from reality.“It was very difficult, but look, I’m a good actor. I had different feelings for him in my heart, but my eyes would tell a different story. My eyes would say he’s my brother.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s hotness stayed with her long after the film
Although she never confessed her admiration for Shah Rukh Khan, Sadiya said his kindness left a lasting impression. One fond memory is of filming a beach sequence, when the actor noticed she had been sitting in the harsh sun.He recalled, “When Shah Rukh came back, he asked me, ‘Why are you sitting in the sun?’ Go sit in the car and get some water.”Years later, the duo met again at a dubbing studio and Sadiya was thrilled that Shah Rukh recognized her instantly.“I saw Shah Rukh standing there. I thought he wouldn’t remember me. He said, ‘Sadiya?’ I said, ‘Do you remember me?’ He said, “Of course I remember you.” He hugged me and I hugged him back. I wouldn’t miss this opportunity.”
Each meeting reminded him why he admired him
Sadiya also recalled meeting Shah Rukh during another professional visit, where he accidentally walked into her make-up room while looking for a toilet. The actor said he greeted her warmly and made her feel completely at ease.Sharing the memory, she said: “He said, ‘Hiiii! How are you? Do you want to eat?’ I said, ‘No, I’ve eaten. I wanted to use the toilet. He said, “Yes, please go.” It’s been many years since I’ve known him. So this is Shah Rukh Khan.”Looking back, Sadiya’s memories of ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’ are filled with laughter, nostalgia and admiration for her co-star, whose off-screen warmth, she says, has remained unchanged over the years.
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