Kareena Kapoor was initially offered the debut role opposite Hrithik Roshan in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai but declined it. The role then went to Amisha Patel, who became an overnight success. Rani Mukherji, Karisma Kapoor (Kareena's sister), and Twinkle Khanna were established actresses but not first choices for this specific role.