Farah Khan almost skipped DDLJ: Karan Johar reveals why she said no
Synopsis
Farah Khan almost didn't choreograph 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' — she turned down the Swiss shoot to honour a Marathi film commitment with Nana Patekar. Karan Johar, who was an assistant on the film at the time, says her refusal actually impressed him. She eventually came on board and created 'Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane' — with Karan's pants famously not surviving the shoot.
Key Takeaways
Farah Khan initially declined to choreograph 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995) due to a prior commitment to a Marathi film with Nana Patekar .
Shah Rukh Khan , who had worked with Farah on 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' , recommended her for the Switzerland song sequence.
Karan Johar was serving as an assistant director on DDLJ at the time and said Farah's refusal impressed him for its professionalism.
Farah eventually choreographed 'Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane' for the film; Karan himself appeared in the sequence.
The two went on to collaborate on 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' , 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' , 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' , and 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' .
Choreographer Farah Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar are among Bollywood's most celebrated collaborators today — but their journey together nearly never began. In a candid appearance on the chat show 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai', the two recalled how Farah had initially turned down the chance to choreograph the iconic 1995 film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
How the DDLJ Opportunity Arose
Karan, who was serving as an assistant on 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' at the time, explained that a scheduling conflict with veteran choreographer Saroj Khan had opened the door for Farah. Shah Rukh Khan, who had already worked with Farah on 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa', suggested bringing her in to choreograph a song sequence in Switzerland.
'I was the assistant for 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,' and some issue with the dates had taken place with Saroj Ji. So I remember Shah Rukh, who had already worked with Farah in 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa', asked to call Farah to do the song for the movie in Switzerland,' Karan recalled on the show.
Why Farah Khan Said No
Despite the magnitude of the opportunity — and those around her urging her to accept — Farah Khan declined. Her reason was straightforward: a prior commitment to a Marathi film featuring Nana Patekar. 'I can't come. I am shooting with Nana Patekar for a Marathi film,' she reportedly said at the time.
Karan admitted he was struck by her response, not negatively, but with admiration. He said her refusal demonstrated a level of professionalism and commitment to her word that left a strong impression on him.
Fate Intervened — and a Classic Was Born
As circumstances would have it, Farah eventually joined the production and choreographed the memorable track 'Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane' from the film. Karan himself was part of that song sequence — and the shoot came with an unscripted moment. 'Karan was also a part of that song, and even his pants got teared during the shoot,' Farah recalled with amusement. Karan's own explanation: 'I got a little too excited for the shot.'
A Collaboration That Defined an Era
The DDLJ episode marked the beginning of one of Bollywood's most enduring creative partnerships. Over the following decade, Farah choreographed several songs for Karan's banner Dharma Productions, including numbers from 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998), 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001), 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' (2003), and 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' (2006). Karan, in turn, made a cameo appearance in Farah's directorial debut, 'Om Shanti Om' (2007). Their friendship — rooted in that near-miss on a Swiss film set — has only deepened since.
Point of View
But it quietly underscores something the film industry rarely discusses openly: professional loyalty to smaller commitments over marquee ones. Farah Khan choosing a Marathi film over what would become one of Hindi cinema's all-time classics says as much about her early career ethics as it does about how unpredictable the film business is. That DDLJ's Swiss sequence almost had a different choreographer is the kind of 'what if' that rewrites Bollywood history. Karan's admiration for her refusal — rather than frustration — also reveals why this partnership endured across three decades and multiple blockbusters.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Farah Khan initially say no to choreographing DDLJ?
Farah Khan turned down the offer to choreograph a song for 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' because she was already committed to shooting a Marathi film with Nana Patekar. Despite being urged by those around her to accept, she declined to break her prior commitment.
How did Farah Khan get involved with DDLJ in the first place?
Shah Rukh Khan, who had previously worked with Farah on 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa', suggested her name after a scheduling conflict arose with choreographer Saroj Khan. Karan Johar, then an assistant on the film, was part of the conversation.
Which song did Farah Khan choreograph in DDLJ?
Farah Khan choreographed 'Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane', a key track from 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. Karan Johar was also part of the song's shoot, during which his pants reportedly tore — something both have recalled with humour.
What films did Farah Khan and Karan Johar collaborate on after DDLJ?
After DDLJ, Farah Khan choreographed songs for several of Karan Johar's films, including 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998), 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001), 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' (2003), and 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' (2006). Karan also made a cameo in Farah's directorial debut 'Om Shanti Om' (2007).
Where did Karan Johar and Farah Khan share this DDLJ story?
The two shared the anecdote during an appearance on the chat show 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai', where they recalled the behind-the-scenes circumstances surrounding Farah's initial refusal and eventual involvement in the film.
