How Did a Chance Encounter with Shashi Kapoor Change Sonam Khan's Career?

Mumbai, April 30 (NationPress) Actress Sonam Khan recently took to social media to reminisce about a significant moment in her early acting career—how a fortuitous encounter with the iconic actor Shashi Kapoor resulted in her being cast in the 1991 fantasy film “Ajooba.”

In an emotional post, Sonam, who portrayed Shehzadi Heena in the movie, shared that she was not the initial pick for the role. However, during an unexpected meeting with Shashi Kapoor, he was so captivated by her presence that he declared she looked like a princess, which quickly altered the casting decision. She fondly remembered Kapoor's generous spirit and kindness throughout the filming in Jaipur, particularly during the shoot of the song “Main Mitti Ka Gudda, Tu Sone Ki Gudiya.”

Sonam expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the support she received as a newcomer, especially from the late Rishi Kapoor, her co-star in the film.

Accompanying her post with a throwback image from the film, Sonam shared, “When I did Ajooba as Shehzadi Heena, I wasn’t the first choice. A chance meeting with Shashi Kapoor ji changed everything. The moment he saw me, he turned to his manager and said, ‘She looks like a princess.’ Soon after, the actor originally slated for the role was replaced. (No names, please).”

“Shashi Kapoor ji epitomized graciousness, kindness, and care. While filming in Jaipur for the song “Main Mitti Ka Gudda, Tu Sone Ki Gudiya,” whenever I struggled with a dance move, Shashi ji would kindly instruct the choreographer to adjust it, saying, ‘Yeh bacchi hai, take it easy.’ His kindness was always protective and gracious. My costumes were designed by the legendary Bhanu Athaiya ji, who also received an Oscar for her remarkable work in #Gandhi.”

Sonam continued, “The crowds in Jaipur went absolutely wild. Back then, before social media, seeing actors in public was a rare occurrence. The song was filmed at a tourist site in Jaipur—though I must admit, I’m forgetting the name of the palace. Please forgive me! The crowd was so overwhelming that I had to be escorted back to my hotel with police protection. We later traveled to Russia for another shoot and were treated like royalty, with each of us having a Russian interpreter. Rishi ji was incredibly supportive, guiding a newcomer like me… Rest in peace #RishiKapoor ji. We will cherish both of them for generations.”

Sonam shared this heartfelt memory on the fifth death anniversary of Rishi Kapoor, who sadly passed away on April 30, 2020, at 67, after a brave two-year battle with cancer.