Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Subhash Ghai Recalls Aishwarya Rai’s Taal Casting Doubts
Subhash Ghai directed the movie Taal.
He wanted an actress to play Mansi, a simple small-town girl.
The role also required strong dancing skills.
At first, Ghai was unsure about choosing Aishwarya Rai.
He felt she looked too connected to the glamorous world after winning Miss World.
He asked choreographer Saroj Khan for advice.
Khan recommended Aishwarya for the role.
Ghai later cast her in the 1999 hit film Taal.
Subhash Ghai initially hesitated to cast Aishwarya Rai as Mansi in Taal.
Ghai said he viewed Rai as having a “cosmetic” image after her 1994 Miss World win.
He asked choreographer Saroj Khan which actresses could handle the character’s demanding dance requirements.
Khan recommended Aishwarya Rai, whose name reportedly shocked Ghai.
Taal was released in 1999 and became a hit, according to the report.
- Who
- Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, actress Aishwarya Rai, and choreographer Saroj Khan.
- What
- Ghai recalled that he initially doubted Rai’s suitability for the lead role of Mansi in Taal before Khan recommended her.
- When
- The casting decision concerned the 1999 film Taal; Ghai discussed it in a recent interview.
- Where
- Ghai shared the recollection during a conversation with Times Now.
- Why
- Ghai was looking for an actress who could meet the character’s demanding dance requirements and initially questioned Rai’s image for the role.
- Film
- Taal
- Release year
- 1999
- Director
- Subhash Ghai
- Proposed role
- Mansi, a simple small-town girl
- Recommendation
- Saroj Khan recommended Aishwarya Rai
- Aishwarya Rai’s title
- She won Miss World in 1994
- Interview outlet
- Times Now