Released in 2004, Hum Tum remains one of Bollywood’s most charming romantic comedies, blending modern relationships with a playful narrative style. Directed by Kunal Kohli and produced under the banner
of Yash Raj Films, the film starred Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji in lead roles. But did you know that before Saif was roped in, stars like Hrithik Roshan rejected the film?
In a recent chat with SCREEN, director Kunal Kohli was asked if Aamir Khan had said no to the part. Kunal said, “No, Aamir actually didn’t hear the script, to be fair to him. He was going through his first divorce with Reena Dutta then. So, he wasn’t in the right frame of mind. Hrithik Roshan really loved the script. But he was just not ready to do it.”
Kunal recalled, “Because he said, ‘I’m not sure how my character in Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003) would come out or be accepted,’ which it wasn’t. My own film, Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002) hadn’t worked with him. But he said, ‘This film is pure gold! I don’t have the confidence to do it right now. I’m not in that space.'”
“So, he gave it a pass. Vivek Oberoi was a very big star at that time. He’s a very accomplished actor now as well. But this was right after Company (2002) and Saathiya (2002). He kept coming in and going out for various reasons. And then we zeroed in on Saif,” the filmmaker mentioned.
Hum Tum stood out for its contemporary take on romance, portraying relationships with a realism that resonated strongly with urban audiences at the time. However, beyond its storytelling, the film is most significant for its impact on Saif Ali Khan’s career. Before Hum Tum, Saif was often seen in supporting roles or multi-starrer films, struggling to establish himself as a bankable solo lead.
His portrayal of Karan—a witty, flawed, and ultimately endearing character—marked a turning point. The performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, a rare achievement for a romantic comedy role, and firmly established him as a leading man in Bollywood.
