Filmmaker Mansoor Khan has revealed fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the casting of his 2000 cult classic Josh. In an interview with the India Now and How YouTube channel, the director shared anecdotes about casting challenges for the film, which centered on the intense rivalry between two street gangs, the Eagles and the Bichhoos.
While Aishwarya Rai Bachchan famously played Shirley, the twin sister of Shah Rukh Khan’s character Max, Mansoor disclosed that Kajol was originally approached for the role. However, the actress had a surprising reason for turning it down.
“This is the ultimate sacrilege, after Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” Mansoor quipped. “After I narrated the story to Kajol, she got up and was ready to leave. I asked her if she was doing the film, and she said, ‘No, I want to play Max.’ Then she walked out.”
Despite the setback, Mansoor praised Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who stepped into the role of Shirley and delivered a stellar performance. Describing her as “thoroughly professional,” Mansoor said, “She never complained, and this remains one of her best films.”
The casting process for Josh wasn’t just challenging for Shirley’s role. Mansoor revealed that Shah Rukh Khan initially declined the role of Max due to a misunderstanding. Aamir Khan, who was also approached for the film, assumed he was being cast as Max. This confusion led Shah Rukh to believe the role was already taken. “Once we clarified the roles, Shah Rukh agreed, and the rest is history,” Mansoor said.
Mansoor also shared that he had considered Aamir Khan for the role of Rahul Sharma, eventually played by Chandrachur Singh. “My thought was, both characters are equally important,” he explained, adding that finalizing the cast proved to be a complex task.
Despite these initial hiccups, Josh emerged as a commercial success. Its gripping storyline, powerful performances, and iconic music have cemented its place as a beloved classic in Bollywood history.
With these revelations, Mansoor Khan has offered fans a deeper appreciation for the effort and challenges behind the making of Josh, a film that continues to resonate more than two decades after its release.
