Filmmaker Suneel Darshan recently opened up about the casting choices and behind-the-scenes drama of the 2000 film ‘Mela’, specifically addressing Twinkle Khanna’s role and Aamir Khan’s influence.
The ‘Mela’ Casting Controversy
Suneel Darshan, who produced ‘Mela’, believes that casting Twinkle Khanna in the lead role was a significant mistake. He stated that the film required a more experienced actress, suggesting Karisma Kapoor would have been a better fit.
According to Darshan, Twinkle Khanna simply couldn’t “carry the movie on her shoulders.” He felt she wasn’t the right choice for the demanding role.
Twinkle Khanna’s Take on Her Acting Career
Interestingly, Twinkle Khanna herself has often poked fun at her short-lived Bollywood career. She has openly admitted that she wasn’t a natural actor and delivered lackluster performances in her films, including ‘Mela’.
She once quipped that her films should be “banned” and that she pretends to have Alzheimer’s to forget her acting days. After ‘Mela’ flopped, she married Akshay Kumar and transitioned into a successful career as a writer.
Aamir Khan’s Demands and Story Changes
Suneel Darshan also revealed that the original story for ‘Mela’ was his concept. However, significant changes were made, notably at the insistence of Aamir Khan.
One major alteration was the introduction of Aamir’s brother, Faisal Khan’s character, who was not part of the initial script. Suneel claims he had “no choice” but to agree to Aamir’s demands, which ultimately required his consent.
Missed Opportunities: Other Casting Choices
It turns out Twinkle Khanna wasn’t the only consideration for ‘Mela’. Director Dharmesh Darshan, Suneel’s brother, had initially envisioned Aishwarya Rai for the role.
However, Aishwarya had commitments for Miss World, making her unavailable. This led to the final casting decision that Suneel Darshan now regrets.
A Lingering Family Rift
Beyond its box office failure and impact on careers, ‘Mela’ also created a lasting rift between the Darshan brothers, Suneel and Dharmesh. Suneel admitted that their parents tried to reconcile them, but the differences proved too deep.
He expressed that sometimes it’s best to accept that certain relationships don’t work out. The film’s production effectively fractured their bond, which remains unrepaired to this day.
- Suneel Darshan believes Twinkle Khanna was miscast in ‘Mela’.
- He stated Karisma Kapoor would have been a better choice for the film.
- Aamir Khan insisted on story changes, including adding his brother Faisal’s character.
- Twinkle Khanna herself has publicly joked about her poor acting performance in ‘Mela’.
- The film’s outcome led to a permanent falling out between Suneel and Dharmesh Darshan.
The film ‘Mela’ continues to be a topic of discussion, revealing the complexities of Bollywood filmmaking and the personal impact of creative decisions.
