When Casting Chaos Struck – The Untold Story of Josh’s Almost-Superstar Siblings

From an offer to Salman Khan to a walk-out by Shah Rukh Khan and a pivot to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Chandrachur Singh — the behind-the-scenes drama of Josh (2000) is as fiery as its title.

In the late 1990s, Bollywood fans came close to seeing something truly unexpected — Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai as brother and sister on screen. Yes, you read that right. Before Josh (2000) became the film we know today, it went through a whirlwind of casting changes that nearly paired the then real-life couple in sibling roles.

Josh, directed by Mansoor Khan and produced by Ratan Jain, was eventually headlined by Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, with Chandrachur Singh playing the romantic lead. But behind the scenes, the film’s casting journey could have gone in a very different direction.

According to Ratan Jain, the film was first planned with Aamir Khan as Rahul (the role later played by Chandrachur Singh) and Shah Rukh Khan as Max, Aishwarya’s twin brother. However, things began to shift when Aamir expressed interest in playing Max instead. Jain recalled that he immediately refused, saying that only Shah Rukh could do justice to that role. When Mansoor Khan informed Shah Rukh that Aamir wanted Max, SRK reportedly walked out of the narration, declaring that he was no longer interested in the project.

That’s when the filmmakers approached Salman Khan to play Max. Salman initially agreed but later backed out, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts and discomfort with playing Aishwarya’s brother — especially since they were romantically involved at the time. The role was also considered for Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, and Chandrachur Singh before Shah Rukh Khan was finally convinced to return to the project. Jain recalled telling SRK, “Ab karni padegi, meri izzat ka sawal hai (Now you’ll have to do it, it’s a matter of my honour).” The very next day, Shah Rukh agreed to come back on board.

Interestingly, Aishwarya wasn’t the first choice for the role of Shirley either. Kajol was initially offered the part but turned it down, reportedly because she wanted to play Max instead of his sister. That led to Aishwarya stepping in — fresh from the success of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam — and giving one of her most memorable early performances.

When Josh finally released in 2000, audiences were surprised to see Shah Rukh and Aishwarya as siblings instead of lovers. Set in 1980s Goa, the film told the story of two rival gangs — the Christians led by Max (SRK) and the Bichhoos led by Prakash — and how the peace between them is disrupted when Max’s sister Shirley falls for Prakash’s brother Rahul.

Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Josh became a commercial hit and is still remembered for its unique setting, energetic music, and unconventional casting choices. But one can’t help but wonder — what if Salman Khan had actually played Aishwarya Rai’s brother?

Stay connected with us for the latest and exclusive updates on Hindi cinema—only here!