Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan both turned down the lead roles in Subhash Ghai’s Pardes, which went on to become a huge hit. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan, and the female lead role, eventually played by a newcomer, made her an overnight sensation, Mahima Chaudhary.
Subhash Ghai said he didn’t cast Madhuri Dixit because he felt she couldn’t show the innocence and youthfulness the role needed. Fans and insiders have speculated that she may have had creative differences or scheduling issues, but the film’s success became a major breakthrough in Mahima Chaudhary’s career.
Who is Mahima Chaudhry?
Mahima Chaudhry began her career with modelling and TV commercials before making her film debut in the 1997 romantic drama Pardes, which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
She went on to play lead roles in films like Daag (1999), Dhadkan (2000), and Kurukshetra (2000). Mahima also received praise for her performances in Dil Kya Kare (1999), Lajja (2001), and Dobara (2004), earning Filmfare nominations for Best Supporting Actress for Dil Kya Kare and Dhadkan. After this, she took a break from acting and appeared in films intermittently.
About Pardes
Pardes is a 1997 Hindi musical romance film directed, produced, and co-written by Subhash Ghai under his banner Mukta Arts. Apart from Mahima Chaudhry the movie stars Shah Rukh Khan and newcomer Apurva Agnihotri in lead roles, and features Alok Nath, Amrish Puri, and Himani Shivpuri in supporting roles. It was filmed at various locations in the United States, Canada, and India.
At the 43rd Filmfare Awards, Pardes received 12 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Ghai), and Best Actress (Chaudhry). The film won three awards: Best Female Debut (Mahima Chaudhry), Best Female Playback Singer (Alka Yagnik for “Meri Mehbooba”), and Best Screenplay (Subhash Ghai).
