'I don't have the confidence': Why Hrithik Roshan turned down Saif Ali Khan starrer ‘Hum Tum’ despite 'loving the script'

'Hum Tum' is surely one of the iconic romantic entertainers in Bollywood The casting for the 2004 classic 'Hum Tum' was far from a "first-choice" success story. In a revealing new interview, director Kunal Kohli took a trip down memory lane to explain why Bollywood’s biggest A-listers including Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan passed on the role of Karan Kapoor before it eventually landed with Saif Ali Khan.

Aamir Khan did not hear the script

During a conversation with SCREEN, Kunal Kohli clarified that Aamir Khan was not involved in the project: “No, Aamir actually didn’t hear the script, to be fair to him. He was going through his first divorce with Reena Dutta then. So, he wasn’t in the right frame of mind." The filmmaker explained that Aamir’s personal circumstances played a role in his absence and this clarification addressed long-standing speculation about his involvement.

Hrithik Roshan loved script but declined

Kunal Kohli also revealed that Hrithik Roshan had shown interest in the film: “Hrithik Roshan really loved the script. But he was just not ready to do it." The director further recalled, “Because he said, ‘I’m not sure how my character in 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon' (2003) would come out or be accepted,’ which it wasn’t." He added, “My own film, 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'! (2002) hadn’t worked with him. But he said, ‘This film is pure gold! I don’t have the confidence to do it right now.

I’m not in that space." Due to these concerns, Hrithik eventually decided to pass on the project.

Vivek Oberoi was also in consideration

Another name that came up during casting was Vivek Oberoi. Kunal Kohli shared, “So, he gave it a pass. Vivek Oberoi was a very big star at that time. He’s a very accomplished actor now as well. But this was right after 'Company' (2002) and 'Saathiya' (2002)." He added, “He kept coming in and going out for various reasons. And then we zeroed in on Saif."

This indicates that multiple options were explored before finalising the lead.

'Hum Tum' remains a beloved romantic comedy

Ultimately, Saif Ali Khan was cast in the lead role and the film also featured Rishi Kapoor, Kirron Kher, Rati Agnihotri and Jimmy Sheirgill in key roles. The film followed the journey of Karan and Rhea. Their relationship evolves over time from friendship to love. Loosely inspired by 'When Harry Met Sally'..., the film turned out to be a box office hit.On the work front, Saif Ali Khan will next be seen in 'Haiwaan'.