Filmmaker Mansoor Khan, best known for cult classics like 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' and 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar', has weighed in on the casting choices of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’. In a recent interview, he expressed his belief that Aamir Khan's son, Junaid Khan, would have been a more suitable choice for the lead role. He also shared that, had he been at the helm, he wouldn’t have cast Kareena Kapoor in the film.
What Aamir Khan did wrong in Laal Singh Chaddha
Aamir’s 2022 film, an official adaptation of ‘Forrest Gump’, struggled at the box office despite high expectations. The actor later acknowledged the film’s underperformance, admitting that he failed to do justice to the younger version of the character.
Reflecting on this, Mansoor Khan told Screen that Aamir’s portrayal was exaggerated. “I’d say he pitched the elder performance totally wrong (laughs). Usne younger bola? Matlab ab tak nahi samjha (Did he say younger? Means he hasn’t gotten it yet). Arre I saw the first trial and I told Aamir, ‘What are you doing!’ Aamir has this format that he’ll call close people for a screening and then will ask what we think. Unfortunately, he always picks me first. I said, ‘You’ve overdone the mannerisms. You don’t need it. Unfortunately, it’s close to his mannerisms in PK.’ Aamir has recognised that.”
Mansoor also highlighted that, unlike most filmmakers who celebrate a film’s success, Aamir took accountability by hosting a gathering to acknowledge Laal Singh Chaddha's failure. While he appreciated the adaptation of the screenplay, he believed that one specific issue affected the overall experience. He questioned Aamir about whether director Advait Chandan had encouraged those mannerisms and insisted that he would never have approved of them himself. Aamir, however, clarified that the choice was his own. Mansoor felt that this misstep disrupted the film’s emotional depth, making the scenes feel disconnected.
Junaid Khan was considered for Laal Singh Chaddha
It was initially speculated that Junaid Khan was being considered for the lead role in 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. Mansoor confirmed in the interview that he had watched Junaid’s screen test and was thoroughly impressed by his performance, particularly his natural innocence, which he believed would have resonated with audiences.
“Aamir had asked me why don’t I come and see Junaid’s screen test. I thought Junaid did a brilliant job. You might say he’s only 28 years old. There was a certain innocence that even the best actors can’t craft. If my heart goes out to you, then it doesn’t matter how great of an actor you are. When they asked me, I said Junaid should be in the film. So, the Sony folks (producers) were taken aback, for obvious reasons. Even the director. And I’d not take Kareena (Kapoor) then. What is this fear of market mein opening nahi lagegi? Kya bakwas hai (no opening in market? What rubbish!),” Mansoor added.
About Mansoor Khan
Mansoor Khan stepped away from direction after 'Josh' (2000), which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He relocated to Coonoor, where he ventured into organic farming and started a cheese-making business. However, he recently resurfaced in the limelight during the Red Lorry Festival in Mumbai, which celebrated the 30-year legacy of ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’.