Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s Uncomfortable Josh Dynamic
Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have delivered unforgettable performances in films like Devdas and Mohabbatein. However, their 2000 musical drama Josh remains a controversial entry in their filmography—especially for SRK, who later expressed regret over his role.
Directed by Mansoor Khan, Josh featured Shah Rukh Khan in a double role as twins Max (a flamboyant gangster) and Shirley (an effeminate cross-dresser). Aishwarya played Shirley’s twin sister—who also falls for Max. The complex plot left audiences perplexed, but SRK’s real issue with the film ran deeper.
Why Shah Rukh Khan Regretted the Role
In interviews, Shah Rukh Khan openly admitted his discomfort with Josh’s romantic subplot. The biggest problem? His character Max falls for Aishwarya’s Shirley—despite also portraying her twin brother.
“It was a bit strange,” SRK confessed. “On one hand, I’m her brother, and on the other, I’m romancing her. It confused the audience—and me.”
The blurred lines between sibling and romantic relationships made the love story feel awkward, contributing to the film’s divisive reception.
Aishwarya Rai’s Perspective
While Aishwarya never publicly criticized Josh, she acknowledged its unconventional premise. Coming off the success of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, the film was a bold but flawed experiment in her career.
Why Did Shah Rukh Agree to Josh?
At the time, Mansoor Khan’s unique vision—paired with SRK’s willingness to take risks—made Josh seem like an exciting project. However, in hindsight, Shah Rukh admitted that some ideas don’t translate well on screen.
“Sometimes, roles sound interesting on paper but don’t work in execution,” he later reflected.
How Did Josh Perform?
Despite hit songs like “Apun Bola” and “Hai Na”, Josh received mixed reviews. Critics and fans alike found the twin storyline unnecessarily convoluted, and the sibling-lovers angle drew criticism.
The Aftermath: SRK and Aishwarya’s Career Moves
Post-Josh, Shah Rukh Khan became more selective, choosing films like Swades and Chak De! India with stronger narratives. Aishwarya, meanwhile, cemented her legacy with Devdas and Guru.
Final Verdict: A Misstep in Bollywood History
Josh remains a quirky but flawed chapter in 2000s Bollywood. While it showcased SRK and Aishwarya’s star power, the confusing plot and uncomfortable dynamics made it a film both actors seemingly prefer to forget.
