EXCLUSIVE: DYK, NOT Karisma Kapoor But Aishwarya Rai Was The FIRST Choice For Rishtey; Actress Deepshikha Nagpal Spills The Beans

Deepshikha Nagpal is an actress and film director who mainly works in Hindi films and TV productions. She has starred in films LIKE Koyla, Baadshah, Dillagi and Partner. She participated as a contestant in Colours TV’s reality show Bigg Boss Season 8 in 2014. During an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, Deepshikha Nagpal revealed that Aishwarya Rai was supposed to lead Rishtey and not Karisma Kapoor.

Deepshikha Nagpal Reveals Aishwarya Rai Was First Choice For Rishtey Not Karisma Kapoor

When shown a picture of her and Karisma Kapoor from Rishtey, Deepshikha Ngapal said, “Rishtey, now, every film has a story. So Rishtey came to me when Indra ji called me. I said, ‘I can’t do it—I’m pregnant.’ I was pregnant with my daughter at the time. So I told him, ‘I can’t do it.’ After six months, Indra ji called again. In those days, people were willing to wait for actors. He called and asked, ‘Deepshikha, are you free?’ I said, ‘Your film must be completed by now. You must’ve even started another one.’ He said, ‘No, the casting has changed.'”

Deepshika Nagpal

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She added, “At that time, Aishwarya Rai was supposed to be the heroine, and later Karisma Kapoor was signed. So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll come and hear the role.’ I went to Indra ji’s office, and he explained the character. I said, ‘No, I don’t want to do this. Every time I’m offered a role, I’m either breaking up someone’s home or playing someone’s second girlfriend, or the man is having an affair with me while being married.’ I told him, ‘Listen, I’m done with such roles.’ He said, ‘Just hear the climax once.’ And when he narrated the climax, I said to myself, ‘What a strong story! I love it.’ I said, ‘I’m doing the film.'”

Rishtey

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Deepshikha Recalls Filming Rishtey

The actress said, “My daughter was just about four months old at the time, and I did the movie. When I met Anil Kapoor on set, I was a big fan of his. And when we had a scene where we were supposed to have a confrontation, I couldn’t do it. I was feeling shy. He jokingly said, ‘This is what happens! Just get married already, then these scenes won’t be a problem!’ There’s this particular scene in the club. Where I say, ‘I slept with your husband,’ and Karisma’s character says, ‘Look at the clothes you wear.’ And I reply, ‘So what if I wear these clothes? I still slept with your husband.'”

Karisma Kapoor, Deepshikha Nagpal and Anil Kapoor

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Adding further, she said, “That’s the kind of intense scene it was. Karisma used to always say to me, ‘You’re the mother of a child and still so thin!’ I said, ‘Just wait till I get married, then let’s see!’ Back then, everyone used to comment on things like that. But now, everybody is working and balancing it all.”

Watch The Full Interview

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Deepshikha Nagpal Recalls Harsh Judgement On Shooting Bindya Rani Scene With Amrish Puri In Koyla; Says, “I’m Not Ashamed”

Aakruti Bagla

With over 4 years of experience, Aakruti Bagla is a Bollywood and Television enthusiast working as a content writer and anchor in Bollywood Bubble. Whether reporting on red carpet moments or diving into long-form features, she aims to tell stories that resonate with readers and reveal the people behind the personas.