Koffee With Karan 8: Karan Johar expresses regrets over missing out on working with Sharmila Tagore in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani; actress says, “After my cancer, they didn't want me to take that risk”

Known for hosting some of the most celebrated personalities of the film industry, Koffee With Karan 8 aims at giving you a deeper insight into the personal lives of these artists. In the recent episode of the show, the producer-host Karan Johar hosted a very special duo, Sharmila Tagore and Saif Ali Khan from the royal Pataudi Khandaan wherein they discussed about their journey in  the professional and personal world. During the same, the filmmaker expressed his deep regret as he missed out on an opportunity to work with Sharmila Tagore in his directorial Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

For the unversed, Sharmila Tagore was approached first for the role essayed by Shabana Azmi in the romantic drama. Speaking about the same, Karan Johar said on the show, "I had offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. She was my very first choice. Due to health reasons at that time, she couldn't say yes but it is a regret I have." Responding to the same, Sharmila revealed that her family and loved ones had asked her to not do it due to the pandemic as they were concerned on how the same will impact her health since Tagore is a cancer survivor. "This is at the height of Covid. They hadn't really grappled with Covid at that time. They didn't know the vaccine... We were not vaccinated. You know, after my cancer. So, they didn't want me to take that risk," replied the yesteryear diva.

Readers may be aware that Shabana Azmi essayed the role of Rani aka Alia Bhatt’s grandmother in the film, who falls in love with the sweet Kanwal Lund Randhawa played by Dharmendra. The film also stars Ranveer Singh along with an ensemble cast and received a lot of love at the box office.

Also Read: Koffee With Karan 8: Sharmila Tagore reveals how ‘interested’ Saif Ali Khan was in education; actor defends himself