‘I was already head over heels in love with Shah Rukh Khan’: 31 years after ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, Sadia Siddiqui reveals why she initially rejected the film
Saadia Siddiqui revisited one of the most memorable chapters of her career with an unexpected confession about ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’. The actress, who plays Shah Rukh Khan’s younger sister Nikki in Kundan Shah’s much-loved romantic drama, admitted that she initially resisted the role because she was hopelessly in love with the star.
In fact, she had her heart set on playing the role of his romantic interest instead.
A childhood crush made it difficult to accept the role
When Sadiya was offered ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, she was already familiar with viewers from Doordarshan’s ‘Humrahi’ serial. Director Kundan Shah chose her as Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen sister, but the young actor was not happy with the idea.Explaining why she initially rejected the offer, Sadia shared with SCREEN, “When I was called for the film, I was already head over heels in love with Shah Rukh Khan.
It was complete love. I won’t even see anyone else. I loved him, and I still love him.”She even told the director the real reason behind her hesitation.“Because I don’t have those feelings for him. And in my eyes, you’ll see the real feelings, and this won’t work. I was surprised that I had the courage to say that to him directly. So, he started laughing.”
She tried to convince the director to cast her in the role of Anna
Instead of playing Nikki, Sadia was hoping that she would be able to play Anna, the female lead ultimately written by Suchitra Krishnamurthy.
Thinking she could change Kundan Shah’s mind, she arrived the next day dressed older than her years.Recalling the amusing incident, she said: “The next day, I chose my best dress. I put on make-up and curled my hair. I looked like a cartoon, a little girl trying to look older. He laughed and said: ‘No, you will play the sister.’ He did not give me the option not to play this role.”Despite her disappointment, Saadia said she eventually embraced the character and relied on her acting skills to separate fantasy from reality.“It was very difficult, but you see, I am a good actor. I had different feelings for him in my heart, but my eyes were telling a different story. My eyes were saying he was my brother.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s warmth stayed with her long after the film
Although she would never admit to admiring Shah Rukh Khan, Sadia said his kindness left a lasting impression. One of her fondest memories is from filming a beach scene, when the actress noticed that she was sitting in the harsh sun.“When Shah Rukh Khan came back, he asked me: ‘Why are you sitting in the sun?’” she recalled. Go, sit in the car and get some water.”Years later, the duo met again at the dubbing studio, and Sadia was touched when SRK recognized her instantly.“I saw Shah Rukh Khan standing there. I thought he wouldn’t remember me. He said: ‘Sadism?’ I said: ‘Do you remember me?’ He said: ‘Of course, I remember you.’ He hugged me, and I hugged him back. I won’t waste this opportunity.”
Every encounter reminded her of why she liked him
Sadia also recalled that she met Shah Rukh Khan during another professional visit, where she accidentally entered his makeup room while she was looking for a bathroom.
The actor said that he received her warmly and made her feel completely comfortable.Sharing her memories, she said: “He said, ‘Hi! How are you? Do you want to eat?’ I said: No, I have eaten. I wanted to use the bathroom. He said: Yes, please go. That’s many years of meeting him. So, this is Shah Rukh Khan.”Looking back, Sadia’s memories of ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’ are filled with laughter, nostalgia and admiration for her co-star, whose off-screen warmth she says has remained unchanged over the years.