Sadia Siddiqui Revisits one of the most memorable chapters of his career with an unexpected confession about ‘kavi haan kavi na’. Played by the actor Shah Rukh KhanIts younger sister Nikki Kundan ShahIts beloved romantic drama, admitted that she initially resisted the role because she was disillusioned with the superstar. In fact, he had his heart set on playing her romantic interest instead.
A childhood crush makes it difficult to accept roles
When Sadia was approached for ‘Kawi Haan Kawi Na’, she was already known to the audience through the Doordarshan serial ‘Hamrahi’. Director Kundan Shah cast her as Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen sister, but the young actor was not thrilled with the idea.Explaining why she initially turned down the offer, Sadia shared with Screen, “When I was called for the film, I was already head over heels in love with Shah Rukh Khan. It was total love. I wouldn’t even see anyone else. I loved him and still do.”He even told the filmmaker the real reason for his hesitation.“Because I don’t have those feelings for him. And in my eyes, you can see the real feelings, and it won’t work. I was surprised that I had the courage to tell him directly. So, he started laughing.”
She tried to convince the director to cast her as Anna
Instead of playing Nikki, Sadia hoped to play Anna, the female lead eventually essayed by Suchitra Krishnamurthy. Believing that she can change Kundan Shah’s mind, she arrives the next day dressed to look older than her age.Recalling the funny incident, she shared, “The next day, I picked out my best dress. I put on makeup and curled my hair. I looked like a cartoon, a little girl trying to grow up. She laughed and said, ‘No, you’re going to play the sister.’ He didn’t give me an option not to do the character.”Despite her disappointment, Sadia said she eventually accepted the role and relied on her acting skills to separate fantasy from reality.“It was very difficult, but look, I’m a good actor. I had different feelings for him, but my eyes will tell a different story. My eyes will say he’s my brother.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s warmth stayed with him long after the film
Although she never confessed her admiration for Shah Rukh Khan, Sadia said his kindness left a lasting impression. One memory he cherishes is from shooting a beach sequence, when the actor noticed that he was sitting under the harsh sun.She remembers, “When Shah Rukh came back, he asked me, ‘Why are you sitting in the sun? Go, sit in the car and drink some water’.”Years later, the pair met again at a dubbing studio, and Sadia was touched that Shah Rukh recognized her instantly.“I saw Shah Rukh standing there. I thought he wouldn’t remember me. He said, ‘Sadia?’ I said, ‘Remember me?’ He said, ‘Of course I remember you.’ He hugged me, I hugged him back. I will not miss that opportunity.”
Every reunion reminded her why she admired him
Sadia also recalls meeting Shah Rukh during a professional tour, where she accidentally walked into his makeup room while looking for a washroom. The actor said that he greeted her warmly and made her feel completely at ease.Sharing the memory, she said, “He said, ‘Hey! How are you? Want to eat?’ I said, ‘No, I have eaten. I wanted to use the washroom.’ He said, ‘Yes, please go.’ It’s been many years since I met him. So, this is Shahrukh Khan.”Looking back, Sadia’s memories of Kavi Haan Kavi Naa are filled with laughter, nostalgia and admiration for her co-star, whose warmth off-screen, she says, has remained unchanged over the years.
