It was only by luck that their paths crossed on screen. Many people forget that when this film was made, Irrfan hadn't yet earned the stature he later enjoyed—most actresses even turned down Lara's role.
Rajpal was originally meant for the lead, but fate and industry politics cost him the Om Shanti Om role, and he ended up in Billu only as a supporting character.
Shah Rukh even kept a role ready for Rajpal in Oso, but a middleman meddled, telling SRK that Rajpal had refused because he was busy. SRK had promised Rajpal during Kal Ho Na Ho that he'd give him a big, solid role because he liked working with him, but the gossip painted Rajpal as having an attitude.
Later, during the Billu shoot, Juhi's brother—who was in RCE—told Rajpal, "Ek baar bhai (SRK) se mil lena, woh aapko pyaar karte hain," meaning to sort things out. Rajpal had no idea what was happening behind his back. SRK met him warmly, and there was no friction.
This film is really good, yaar—its ending always brings a smile and a watery eye.
From certain angles SRK looked a lot like Irrfan Khan in *Jab Hath Milte Saath*—they could have played brothers easily. Such a missed chance.
Irrfan's body language in this scene is a masterclass—he'll keep teaching actors for generations.
When Irrfan says, "Maaf kar de yaar," and laughs...
My heart sank seeing Irrfan cry—such a loss, we've lost a true gem.
I wish someone other than Priyadarshan had directed this film. If it had been less glossy and more subtle, like the original, it would've been a treat. Another director might have drawn out stronger performances from these two talents. Irrfan still does an amazing job, but it doesn't feel like his best, and SRK's work here is pretty ordinary. Even in *Dil Se* he delivered a stronger performance.
It was such an emotional film. I really appreciated how the story ended—he didn't bow his head even though he felt ashamed, and his friend understood his words. It shows a hard truth: most people only grasp it after they've truly failed.
Both of them are gems of actors.
Wholesome and emotional.