‘No one wanted to work with Madhuri Dixit…’ Karisma Kapoor reveals why every actress rejected Dil Toh Pagal Hai

When Karisma Kapoor revealed the actual reason behind initially rejecting Dil Toh Pagal Hai, opposite Madhuri Dixit.

Dil Toh Pagal Hai starring Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Kajol is till date considered one of the classics of Bollywood. Written and directed by late Yash Chopra, the romantic-drama film became the highest-grossing movie of 1997. While Karimsa won many hearts for her role of Nisha in the film, not many know that she had initially rejected Dil To Pagal Hai because of Madhuri Dixit. The actress was terrified to compete with Madhuri in a dance sequence. However, Karisma’s mother, Babita Kapoor, convinced her to take up the role.

When Karisma Kapoor almost rejected Dil Toh Pagal Hai because of Madhuri Dixit

When Karisma Kapoor appeared on Indian Idol 12 as a special guest, she narrated some interesting anecdotes from her time in the industry. She revealed how every actress refused Dil Toh Pagal Hai, including herself, as no one was willing to share screen space with Madhuri. Well, it wasn’t due to any rivalry, but out of fear to perform alongside her, and match her impeccable dance skills. “Every single heroine refused the film (Dil To Pagal Hai). The role came to me…it was a dance film and that too to work with opposite Madhuri Dixit. Everyone said, ‘No how can we dance alongside Madhuri Dixit ji.’ Initially, I too said no to it as it was a dance film and competition dance with Madhuri Dixit. I said, ‘This isn’t happening’.” said Karisma.

She further added, “Then finally, Yash ji and Adi (Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra) narrated the story to me. My mother told me, ‘You must take up the challenge. You are a big fan of Madhuri Dixit, you must do it. You work hard and you will shine.”

About Dil Toh Pagal Hai

Made in a budget of Rs 9 crore, Dil Toh Pagal Hai earned over Rs 50 crore, becoming a blockbuster at the box office. One of the reasons behind the massive success was its chartbuster songs. Film’s music was composed by Uttam Singh while the lyrics were penned by Anand Bakshi. The cameo appearance of Akshay Kumar in the movie was too appreciated by critics and masses.