Nearly two decades after it first charmed audiences, Hum Tum is making its way back to the theatres on May 16, offering fans another chance to experience the magic of Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji’s timeless chemistry. Released in 2004, the film holds a special place in Bollywood’s romantic comedy landscape and is widely credited as a turning point in Saif’s career. However, what many don’t know is that Saif wasn’t the first choice to play the witty cartoonist Karan Kapoor.
Director Kunal Kohli recently opened up about the casting journey in an interview. He revealed that the script initially went to Hrithik Roshan. “He said, ‘I have a few films coming up which, I know, will flop so I am in a bad place right now’,” Kunal recalled, adding that Hrithik had asked him to wait a couple of years until his slate looked better. When that didn’t work out, Kunal approached Aamir Khan, who was facing personal turmoil. “Aamir was going through his divorce with Reena so he said, ‘Yaar, I am not in a frame of mind to even hear the script, so I won’t even listen to it’,” the filmmaker shared. Vivek Oberoi was next in line, but that too didn’t materialise.
Eventually, it was Aditya Chopra who suggested Saif Ali Khan for the role. Kunal recalled visualising Saif in the part and feeling confident he was the right fit. “Saif had not done a solo hero hit film. But Adi said, ‘I am confident’.” As it turns out, that confidence was well-placed. When Hrithik finally watched the film at a trial screening, even he admitted that Saif was the “right choice.”
Hum Tum tells the story of Karan and Rhea, two very different personalities whose paths continue to cross over the years, transforming dislike into deep affection. As it hits the big screen once more, it not only rekindles nostalgia but also celebrates a film that helped redefine modern romance in Hindi cinema.
