The Shah Rukh Khan Josh casting story has resurfaced as the film marks its 25th anniversary, with director Mansoor Khan shedding light on the decisions and emotional turns behind casting Khan as Max, instead of Aamir Khan. These revelations offer new insight into the creative and personal dynamics that shaped the beloved Bollywood film, which also starred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
The Film Josh: Its Enduring Popularity and Foundational Choices
Released 25 years ago, Josh remains influential in Indian cinema, its popularity fueled by its music, cast, and storyline. Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continue to be recognized for their roles, and songs from the film remain favorites among fans. As the film celebrates this milestone, audiences are revisiting the circumstances and discussions that brought the cast together.
Mansoor Khan’s Search for a New Story and Early Casting Plans
After directing Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Mansoor Khan was actively seeking a strong new script and conceptualized much of Josh with both Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in mind. Aamir was imagined as the romantic lead, with Shah Rukh as Max. He recalled the delicate moment of presenting the story to both actors, navigating their expectations and the ambiguity of the roles they would take on.
After Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, I was searching for a new script and wrote much of Josh with both Aamir and Shah Rukh in mind—Aamir for the romantic lead opposite the heroine, and Shah Rukh as Max. When I narrated the story to Aamir, I didn’t specify which roles they were meant to play, so Aamir assumed he would be Max. I thought, ‘Oh no, now what do I do?’ I decided to hold back and see how Shah Rukh would respond first. Honestly, I never planned to give the role of Max to Aamir; I just wanted to see how things would unfold.
—Mansoor Khan, Filmmaker
Shah Rukh Khan’s Enthusiastic Response and Aamir Khan’s Assumptions
Mansoor Khan then met Shah Rukh Khan to narrate the script. SRK’s energetic engagement with the story became immediately apparent, as he discussed scene specifics and began envisioning himself as Max. This mirrored Aamir Khan’s earlier assumption, placing the director at a crossroads. Despite the uncertainty, Mansoor Khan had already intended for Shah Rukh to play Max and moved to clarify the role’s availability.
So I went to meet Shah Rukh and narrated the script to him. He really liked it. And by the end of the narration, he’d already started talking about the scenes, because his mind is very active. He was like, ‘Yeah, in that scene, Max can do this, and in that one, Max can do that.’ And I thought, ‘Oh God, this guy also wants the same role.’ But anyway, I did want him for Max. So I asked, ‘Shah Rukh, are you doing the film?’ And he said, ‘No, because I know Aamir will get Max’s role.’ At that point, I didn’t really know how to respond. So I just left it there. I didn’t say anything.
—Mansoor Khan, Filmmaker
Aamir Khan’s Change of Heart and Decision Not to Play Max
The uncertainty resolved itself when Aamir Khan explicitly declined the role of Max, expressing a desire to move away from the ‘soft-boy’ and ‘lover-boy’ images that had defined many of his previous films. His previous experience in Rangeela, where he played a tapori character, likely shaped his hesitation. This hesitation created space for Shah Rukh Khan to step into the role and cemented the final casting choice.
But later on, Aamir himself said, ‘No, no, I don’t want to play this role.’ He’d already done a lot of soft-boy, lover-boy parts. And he’d also done that tapori role in Rangeela, so he wanted to change his image.
—Mansoor Khan, Filmmaker
The Aftermath of Release and Aamir Khan’s Honest Reaction
Following the film’s release, Aamir Khan’s reaction left Mansoor Khan disheartened, as Aamir openly admitted to disliking the film. Mansoor found this reaction difficult, causing him to avoid watching the movie for many years. Rewatching it nearly two decades later, he reflected on the experience and shared his thoughts with Aamir, noting how time had changed his perspective.
He saw it at that time and said he hated it. So I said, okay, fine. I was pretty disillusioned after that too. I didn’t watch it again for 15, maybe 17 years. I finally saw it about eight years ago, and honestly, I feel it’s not a bad film. I told Aamir, ‘You should see it now.’ I said, ‘See, back then, the wounds were still fresh.’
—Mansoor Khan, Filmmaker
Legacy and Relevance of Josh in Bollywood
The complex journey and candid exchanges between Mansoor Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan ultimately contributed to the film’s enduring place in Bollywood history. The unique casting and behind-the-scenes emotions involved serve as a reminder of the creative conflicts and personal motivations that can shape iconic movies.
Today, as Josh and its cast are remembered, the detailed Shah Rukh Khan Josh casting story illustrates the intricate process behind memorable films, reflecting on how shifting personal ambitions, honest reactions, and timing influence the course of cinema. The film’s lasting resonance highlights both its artistic value and the behind-the-scenes human stories that brought it to life.
