Sanjay Leela Bhansali considered Kajol for 'Khamoshi' with Salman Khan over Manisha Koirala

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had desired to cast Kajol in Khamoshi alongside Salman Khan, with Manisha Koirala being considered as the third choice.

A recently surfaced old video of the 61-year-old Indian filmmaker on social media shows him discussing his initial approach to Kajol before considering Manisha. 

Sanjay disclosed that despite reaching out to Kajol for Khamoshi, she declined the offer due to her mother Tanuja's relationship with him.

The Bajirao Mastani director said, "I did approach Madhuri for it but I had approached Kajol for it. There was a strong exchange between Tanuja ji and me on the phone as far as dates were concerned. Phones banged out. Maybe Tanuja ji and I did not get along very well."

"I sensed, I said, ‘Okay, forget about it’. The second time, I tried because I really think she is a fabulous actress and she would have done this role beautifully but she did not want to do it," he added.

Professionally, Bhansali is presently savoring the triumph of his recently launched web series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, released on May 1, 2024 on Netflix.