The iconic red saree scene from Farah Khan’s ‘Main Hoon Na’ has left an indelible mark on audiences, but the story behind its creation is just as captivating. Sushmita Sen, who played the dreamy Chandni, recently shared her experiences of shooting this memorable sequence.
In a recent interview, Sushmita revealed the challenges she faced while filming this iconic scene. She described how the red saree, already uncomfortable in the freezing cold, was made even more so by Farah Khan’s insistence on using a massive storm fan to create the perfect hair-flying effect. Chandni’s hair had to be in motion constantly, whether she was in a classroom, crying, or even in the rain. It was a unique and challenging requirement for the character.
But here’s where it gets controversial… Sushmita initially opposed the saree look, wanting to showcase her versatility with different costumes, especially given it was her first film with Shah Rukh Khan. However, Farah Khan had a vision and stuck to it, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Sushmita recalled, “Farah made me tie the saree a certain way, and when I walked out, she wasn’t satisfied. She had Geeta adjust it, tying it lower, which worried me the entire time. I was terrified it would fall!”
The scene’s magic happened when Sushmita and Shah Rukh Khan, playing Ram, captured the perfect chemistry. SRK, being the professional he is, opened his arms, and Sushmita playfully lifted her hand, letting the saree’s pallu brush his face. It was a spontaneous moment of brilliance, but Farah, wanting multiple angles, made them do it again and again.
Sushmita also praised Farah for keeping her promise of casting her in her first film and ensuring that Chandni made an impact, despite a relatively smaller role.
And this is the part most people miss… the dedication and trust between actors and directors that go into creating these iconic moments. It’s a reminder that behind every great scene, there’s a story of hard work, collaboration, and a bit of magic.
What do you think? Do you have any favorite behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite movies? Share your thoughts in the comments!