The iconic Bollywood number Chaiyya Chaiyya from Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se is unforgettable for its dazzling choreography, Shah Rukh Khan’s charm, and Malaika Arora’s striking performance atop a moving train. However, Shilpa Shirodkar recently revealed on Bigg Boss 18 that she was initially considered for the song but was rejected because of her weight.
During a conversation with housemates Chum Darang and Karanveer Mehra, Shilpa disclosed that choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan had approached her for the role in the late 1990s. However, Farah ultimately decided against casting her, citing Shilpa’s weight as the reason.
“I was approached for Chaiyya Chaiyya,” Shilpa shared. “But after about a week, Farah told me, ‘You are too fat for the song.’” The missed opportunity left Shilpa disappointed but she accepted the decision with grace.
Karanveer Mehra, always quick with humor, asked Shilpa, “If you had done the song, would the train have stopped?” Shilpa laughed off the comment, noting that only Farah Khan and Mani Ratnam could truly explain the reasoning behind their casting choice.
Following Shilpa’s rejection, Malaika Arora was cast in the song. Her performance alongside Shah Rukh Khan turned Chaiyya Chaiyya into a cultural phenomenon, cementing her place in Bollywood history. The AR Rahman-composed track, sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi, featured lyrics by Gulzar and earned Farah Khan a Filmfare Award for choreography.
Released in 1998 as part of Dil Se, Chaiyya Chaiyya remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated musical numbers. Its daring visuals, filmed on a moving train, and its timeless music continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
While Shilpa Shirodkar missed out on the opportunity, her candid recollection adds another fascinating layer to the history of this legendary song.
