Samriti Dhatwalia
The iconic song Chaiyya Chaiyya from Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se remains one of Bollywood’s most unforgettable dance numbers. Recently, choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes story about how Malaika Arora became the face of the chartbuster—almost by chance.
A Last-Minute Casting Malaika Arora
Farah shared that the team struggled to finalise a female performer for the song. Despite approaching several people, the casting remained undecided even a week before the shoot. With the schedule closing in and pressure mounting, the makers needed a quick decision.
Trusting Instinct Over Preparation
Farah admitted that she called Malaika Arora without even knowing whether she could dance well. What convinced her was Malaika’s screen presence and striking look, which she felt perfectly suited the sensual yet powerful energy of the song. The decision was driven purely by instinct.
Mani Ratnam’s Green Signal
According to Farah, director Mani Ratnam eventually gave her full freedom, telling her to go ahead and cast anyone she felt was right. That reassurance sealed the deal and Malaika was finalised at the last moment.
Malaika went on to deliver what Farah described as a “mind-blowing” performance, dancing atop a moving train alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The song, composed by A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Gulzar, became a cultural phenomenon.
Years later, Chaiyya Chaiyya continues to be celebrated, proving that sometimes, the most iconic moments are born out of spontaneity.
