Soha Ali Khan’s journey to becoming an actress is a fascinating tale of twists and turns. Interestingly, she was first offered the lead role in the Shah Rukh Khan-Rani Mukherjee starrer Paheli, which was directed by Amol Palekar. Soha had to give up her banking job for this opportunity, but unfortunately, things didn’t work out as planned.
Her family, particularly her brother Saif Ali Khan, was not thrilled about her decision to join the film industry. Soha revealed that her family was not happy with her choice, and her brother was partly responsible for her initial hesitation. Despite her efforts, Soha couldn’t become a part of Paheli, and she herself explained why this happened.
No brother’s regressive thinking
In a conversation with Quizitock, Soha shared that she didn’t watch many Hindi films growing up, having seen only a few around 1990, which didn’t impress her. When work began on Paheli, she had to undergo a lot of changes, including multiple outfit changes and an unusual way of getting into character. Soha faced a lot of conflicting thoughts and ultimately decided that acting wasn’t what she wanted to do. She confided in her parents, Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan, about her decision.
Soha used to do corporate job
Soha’s parents were relieved when she decided to leave the film industry, as they had invested heavily in her education and wanted her to pursue a different career path. Soha had been working as a banker but quit her job after just 13 months when Amol Palekar offered her a role in Paheli. However, she soon realized that she shouldn’t have left her stable corporate job without a formal agreement or signing amount.
Saif got warning
Soha didn’t inform her parents about quitting her job, knowing they wouldn’t approve. When they found out three months later, they were shocked. Soha was unemployed at the time, paying a hefty rent of Rs 17,000 for a flat in Lokhandwala, with no income to support herself. Her mother even warned Saif, saying that if Soha got involved in films, it would be his fault for filling her mind with such ideas.
Soha herself had doubts about pursuing a career in acting and kept her distance. As it turned out, Soha made her debut in 2004 with the film Dil Maange More, marking the beginning of her journey as an actress.