Shehzad Khan, the son of veteran actor Ajit, offers a unique perspective on the legendary rivalry between Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor during the making of Andaz Apna Apna. While the story of their feud has been well-documented, Khan's experience on set was surprisingly amicable, contrary to popular belief.
In an interview with Vickey Lalwani, Khan reveals that the atmosphere on set was actually quite warm and family-like. He mentions that both Tandon and Kapoor were "very nice" to him and that there was even a "biryani from Salman Khan's house" during the shoot. This contradicts the widely-held notion of a tense and hostile environment.
Khan's own journey to landing the role of Bhalla in the film was also intriguing. He recalls how producer Vinay Sinha had promised him a role in his next film, but it wasn't until he saw a newspaper ad for Andaz Apna Apna that he realized something was happening. The ad featured Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena, and Karisma, but not him. However, he was soon called to Sunny Super Sound, which led him to believe that he had indeed been cast.
Director Rajkumar Santoshi played a pivotal role in Khan's casting. Santoshi insisted on casting Khan for the role of Bhalla, specifically requesting that he use his father Ajit's voice and style. This decision caused some tension at home, as Ajit was upset about his son being associated with the rival actresses. However, Khan's performance was well-received, and he believes that people appreciated the unique blend of his father's style and his own personality.
Shehzad Khan's experience on Andaz Apna Apna set highlights the complex dynamics of the film industry. While the rivalry between Tandon and Kapoor was real, the personal accounts of those involved, like Khan's, offer a more nuanced view. It showcases the industry's competitive nature, the power of a director's vision, and the importance of a supportive cast and crew in creating memorable cinematic experiences.
