Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 6 hrs ago
Isha Koppikar regrets turning down a role in Dil Chahta Hai
Actor Isha Koppikar says she regrets turning down a role in Dil Chahta Hai, the 2001 Hindi film.
She was offered the part opposite Saif Ali Khan, later played by Sonali Kulkarni, but had already committed to Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat.
Koppikar began her film career in Telugu cinema in 1997, then worked in Tamil and Hindi films.
She says actors need to adapt and take on different roles to avoid repeating the same kind of character.
She has said she wants to explore action, biographical and mythological films, and her Taekwondo black belt could suit action roles.
Her career has spanned several Indian film industries, giving her experience with different styles of storytelling.
She continues to focus on choosing meaningful roles, but no specific next project is mentioned.
Isha Koppikar says she regrets turning down a role in the film Dil Chahta Hai.
She said the role, played in the film by Sonali Kulkarni opposite Saif Ali Khan, was offered to her.
Koppikar turned it down because she was committed to Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat.
She discussed the decision in an interview with Hindustan Times.
Koppikar also said actors should adapt, evolve and explore diverse roles.
- Who
- Actor Isha Koppikar.
- What
- She said she regrets declining a role in Dil Chahta Hai.
- When
- She discussed it in an interview published on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- The interview was with Hindustan Times.
- Why
- She had prior commitments to Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Koppikar made her feature film debut in the Telugu film W/o V. Vara Prasad.
She made her Tamil debut in Kaadhal Kavithai.
She made her Bollywood debut with Fiza.
Interviews published that included Koppikar’s comments about declining the Dil Chahta Hai role.
- Role
- The part played by Sonali Kulkarni opposite Saif Ali Khan
- Film declined
- Dil Chahta Hai
- Reason for declining
- Commitment to Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat
- Interview outlet
- Hindustan Times
- Interview publication date
- October 21, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
The role played by Sonali Kulkarni opposite Saif Ali Khan in Dil Chahta Hai was offered to me, but I had to turn it down because I was committed to Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat. I regret that decision.
The best thing you can do as an actor is adapt and evolve with age. As actors, we often feel we never age, but we must embrace change and explore diverse roles. It is important to break the monotony because people get bored seeing you in the same role again and again.