Andaaz turns 20: Priyanka Chopra was scolded by choreographer, was told ‘just because you are a Miss World…’

Lara Dutta made her debut with Andaaz in 2003. (Photo: Express Archive)

The filmmaker also said that given they were set to start shooting in seven days, he couldn’t reach out to an established actor. Having seen Lara pose with Akshay during a magazine shoot, he decided to give her a call. Darshan shared, “She was a part of some music videos, where she was hardly visible. Yet, I trusted her as she seemed dignified. So, I felt that she would suit the role of Kajal.”

As for Priyanka’s part, they were in touch with many heroines. He shared that since they had already cast a new girl, it would have been wrong to cast a known face. The former Miss World had approached him for work and had shared how her films have been stalled. While she had a ‘dark complexion’ and ‘some defects’ as per Darshan, she promised to ‘sort’ that out. And in 10 minutes, she was finalised for the part, as the producer saw a hunger in her.

Film star Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta in Andaaz. (Photo: Express Archive)

However, it wasn’t all rosy for Priyanka Chopra on the set. In an old interview, the actor had opened up about how Saroj Khan’s son Raja Khan, who was their choreographer, had lambasted her after she couldn’t get a dance step right. She was shooting in South Africa with Akshay for a romantic song and had almost given 40 takes during a dance sequence. Khan threw his mic and yelled at her, saying, ‘Just because you’re Miss World, don’t presume you can dance. Learn to do your job before you report for work!’.

The actor, in an interview with HT Brunch, said that the episode was the ‘critical foundation’ of her career. “It taught me the difference between being an amateur and a professional and how essential it is to be prepared. From that experience onward, I’ve been prepped assiduously before going on to any set.”

Priyanka Chopra with Akshay Kumar in Andaaz poster. (Photo: Express Archive)

The actor had earlier shared that because Twinkle Khanna went into labour, the schedule was called off then. Post which she signed up for kathak classes and prepped for the next six months, practicing for hours. And when she went back to shoot, Priyanka said that she could do her job much better.

As the film turns 20 today, Lara Dutta also posted a heartfelt note for the team. Sharing two posters of Andaaz, she wrote, “And just like that…it’s been 20 years!!! Always grateful! First of all to the audience and fans! . To @SuneelDarshan1 for offering me my first film. My dearest Raj ji for being the most patient teacher. My forever most handsome, @akshaykumar For just being who he is!!!.” In another tweet, she tagged her fellow pageant winner to write, “@priyankachopra we’ll always have each others backs! . Ever grateful for what the Indian film industry has given me! .”

Directed by Raj Kanwar, Andaaz released on May 23, 2003.