Television actress Mahhi Vij has recalled that filmmaker Mani Ratnam had initially selected her for the role of Meera in his 2004 film Yuva, a part eventually played by Kareena Kapoor Khan opposite Vivek Oberoi.
During a conversation with fellow Bigg Boss 20 contestant Kanika Mann, Mahhi spoke about her early journey in the entertainment industry and how a series of opportunities eventually led her to television.
Mahhi recalled that after moving to Mumbai, she landed her first music-video assignment in the popular remix of “Tu Tu Hai Wahi”, in which she appeared in a pink outfit.
“I went to Bombay and got a music video as soon as I arrived. It was the one where I wore the pink dress, ‘Tu Tu Hai Wahi’. That was my first music video,” she said, adding that she went on to feature in several successful music videos.
She later ventured into films, working in South Indian cinema on projects involving actor-filmmaker Prabhu Deva and Malayalam superstar Mammootty.
“Then I did music videos, followed by South Indian films with Prabhu Deva. Then I did a film with Mammootty. From there, I was finalised for Yuva. Mani Ratnam selected me for Yuva,” Mahhi recalled.
According to her, she had been chosen for Meera, the love interest of Vivek Oberoi’s character Arjun Balachandran. However, she said the opportunity did not materialise after her equation with someone associated with the project turned sour.
“For the role that Kareena played, opposite Vivek Oberoi. But some equations with someone had gone a little sour there so it did not materialise,” she said.
Mahhi said she subsequently returned to Delhi, where she discussed two or three other film projects, but those too were cancelled at the last minute. She then decided to pursue television.
Her move to television eventually brought her recognition, particularly for her roles as Nakusha in Laagi Tujhse Lagan and Nandini in Balika Vadhu. She also participated in reality shows including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Khatron Ke Khiladi and Nach Baliye 5, which she won with husband Jay Bhanushali.
Directed by Mani Ratnam, Yuva starred Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor and Esha Deol, with music composed by A.R. Rahman.
