Shah Rukh Khan’s Dil Se co-star Manisha Koirala reveals he wasn’t supposed to die in film; here’s why script was changed

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As a devoted admirer of the rich tapestry that is Indian cinema and its enigmatic characters, I find myself constantly captivated by the stories that unfold on the silver screen. One such tale that has left an indelible mark on my heart is Mani Ratnam’s masterpiece, Dil Se.

1998’s beloved film “Dil Se,” directed by Mani Ratnam, continues to be cherished among fans. Interestingly, Manisha Koirala has shared an intriguing detail about the movie’s original script – Shah Rukh Khan’s character wasn’t originally intended to perform the selfless act depicted in the final version. The ending was changed at the very last moment, introducing a significant twist to the storyline and making it more dramatic.

In the movie Dil Se, which is set amidst the unrest in Assam, Manisha Koirala plays a female terrorist who’s also a suicide bomber. A pivotal scene shows her character attempting to ignite herself while wearing a bomb, with Shah Rukh Khan’s character tragically choosing to perish alongside her. In an interview with ANI, Manisha shared that the initial ending of this film was actually quite distinct from what we see on screen today.

Initially, their motivation in the original scenario was not love but a greater force, with Shah Rukh Khan’s character intended to allow her death. Yet, unexpectedly, they altered it at the last possible moment.

The actress from Heeramandi publicly stated that she favored the original conclusion of Dil Se, as it underscored the insurmountable obstacles in the characters’ relationship. She elaborated that the final cut primarily highlighted Shah Rukh Khan’s passionate love, culminating in him preventing her death but ultimately giving up his own life.

She believed that the alteration meant to emphasize the sacrifice strayed from the initial scenario. In her words, “I appreciated the original version back then because it wasn’t possible for them to be together. Often, an unfulfilled love story carries more intrigue than one where the love is returned.

As a lifestyle expert, I can relate when Manisha Koirala speaks about embracing intricate roles in films. Initially, I was supposed to collaborate with Ram Gopal Verma, but the opportunity for Dil Se came knocking instead. Although other actresses were initially in the running, the role’s allure pulled me in because I yearned to delve into unfamiliar and demanding aspects as an artist.

Additionally, she talked about how Mani Ratnam’s unique perspective influenced her depiction of the character. Rather than portraying her in a conventional way, he inspired her to portray a ‘regular’ girl harboring profound sorrow and rage that transcended logic, thereby infusing the role with intricate depth.

In her professional life, Manisha Koirala recently appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production, Heeramandi. Her performance as Mallikajaan received widespread praise from viewers.

The show boasted a skilled group of actors such as Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal Mehta, and Taha Shah Badussha. Furthermore, Manisha appeared alongside Kartik Aaryan in the 2023 movie titled “Shehzada”.

Next up for Shah Rukh Khan is the action movie “King,” directed by Sujoy Ghosh. In this film, he shares the screen with his daughter, Suhana Khan. The cast also includes Abhay Verma and Abhishek Bachchan in significant roles.

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2024-11-06 15:37