Not Sridevi but Rekha was offered Chandni first - Here's why she rejected it

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There are some movies that become synonymous with their stars, where the titles almost become their second name. A film has to be iconic, and the star has to deliver an exceptional performance to earn such recognition. While this phenomenon has mostly been associated with male superstars, there are exceptions where female superstars have also enjoyed this privilege. One such legend is Sridevi. The iconic Indian actor, known for her numerous memorable films, is one of the most revered names in the country. While she is associated with several nicknames, including "Hawa Hawai," one that stands out is Chandni. This movie not only solidified her status as a superstar but continues to define her legacy, even after her passing. But did you know she was not the first choice to play the role?

Rekha Was The First Choice For Chandni

Chandni features Sridevi alongside Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Waheeda Rehman, Anupam Kher, Sushma Seth, Mita Vashisht, and Manohar Singh. It was released 35 years ago on September 14, 1989. Written and directed by the legendary Yash Chopra, the film was celebrated by both critics and audiences alike. However, what many don’t know is that Yash Chopra initially wanted Rekha to play the title role. Read on to learn more about this fascinating backstory.

According to reports that surfaced online, Rekha was the first choice to portray Chandni, not Sridevi. One reason for this was that Rekha had previously played a character named Chandni in Silsila, which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. It is said that Rekha was narrated the script during the pre-production phase, and while she liked it, she ultimately passed on the role.

The reason for turning down the role is said to be that Rekha felt the movie would be more suitable for a younger actress. She believed the role didn’t fit her persona at the time. Interestingly, Rekha herself recommended Sridevi for the part of Chandni.

Boney Kapoor Convinced Sridevi to Play Chandni

According to The Romantics, a documentary about the late filmmaker Yash Chopra and his legacy, Yash Chopra explained why he decided to make Chandni in the first place. He said, “Our industry had reached the saturation point of violence. So, I thought, I will take the biggest gamble of my life, whatever happens. I won’t make a film with a formula or calculation. I will make a film that touches my heart. That’s how I started Chandni."

In the same series, Anil Kapoor revealed how his brother, Boney Kapoor, was asked to convince Sridevi to accept the role. “He asked my brother (Boney Kapoor) to speak to her. So, my brother flew down to Chennai to talk to her mother. It didn’t matter to her who Yash Chopra was, or that he had made such great films; it was just about the money,” Anil shared.