Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Why Farah Khan Initially Said No to DDLJ Choreography
Farah Khan was asked to choreograph a song for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
At first, she said no because she was already working on a Marathi film with Nana Patekar.
Karan Johar was helping make the movie and remembered being impressed by her commitment.
Shah Rukh Khan suggested asking Farah because he had worked with her before.
Farah later agreed to choreograph “Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane.”
Karan also appeared in the song’s shoot.
He said he got too excited during a shot and tore his pants.
Farah and Karan later worked together on several successful films.
Farah Khan initially declined to choreograph Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge because she was committed to a Marathi film with Nana Patekar.
Karan Johar was assisting on the film when scheduling problems arose with choreographer Saroj Khan.
Shah Rukh Khan, who had worked with Farah in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, suggested inviting her to choreograph a song in Switzerland.
Farah eventually choreographed “Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane,” during which Karan Johar appeared as a dancer and tore his pants.
Farah later choreographed songs in several Karan Johar films, while Johar appeared in her directorial debut Om Shanti Om.
- Who
- Farah Khan, Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, Saroj Khan, Nana Patekar, Kajol and the cast and crew of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
- What
- Farah Khan initially refused but later choreographed “Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane” for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
- When
- During the production of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge; the specific date is not stated.
- Where
- The song was filmed in Switzerland.
- Why
- Farah initially declined because she was committed to shooting a Marathi film with Nana Patekar; scheduling issues had also arisen with Saroj Khan.
- Film
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
- Song
- “Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane”
- Initial choreographer issue
- Scheduling problems arose with Saroj Khan.
- Farah Khan’s original commitment
- A Marathi film featuring Nana Patekar
- Suggested by
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Karan Johar’s role
- Assistant on Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and a participant in the song shoot
- Later collaborations
- Farah choreographed songs for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.