Mahhi Vij Reveals Mani Ratnam Cast Her in 'Yuva' Before Kareena Kapoor

At the beginning of her career, she featured in several music videos before starring in many South Indian movies as well.

In the latest episode of the show, while having a conversation with fellow contestant Kanika Mann, Vij opened up about her initial days in the entertainment industry. She recounted her early days, moving from music videos to South Indian films and later to a movie which could've been her Bollywood debut, before the role was given to another popular actress, Kareena Kapoor.

Mahhi Vij said, "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. After that, I did a lot of music videos in my career, and all of them were hits."

She then mentioned her transition from music videos toward movies in the South, where she worked with some of the big names in the South Indian film industry, such as Prabhu Deva and legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty.

"From there, I was finalized for Yuva. Mani Ratnam selected me for Yuva," she added.

As per Vij, she had been selected for the role of Meera in Yuva, which was eventually played by Kareena Kapoor.

The character, Meera portrayed the love interest of Arjun Balachandran in the movie, played by Vivek Oberoi.

Meanwhile, She also shared that she lost the part after a falling-out with someone connected to the project. "For the role that Kareena played, opposite Vivek Oberoi. But some equations with someone had gone a little sour there so it did not materialize," she added.

Vij further stated that after missing out on Yuva, she chose to head back to Delhi. Meanwhile, she remained in talks for a couple of other films, but those were canceled too.

Later, Mahhi established herself as a successful TV actress, gaining popularity for her work in Laagi Tujhse Lagan, Balika Vadhu, and Sehar – Hone Ko Hai.

Afterward, she also participated in some reality shows, such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Khatron Ke Khiladi, and Nach Baliye 5, which she won with her ex-husband, Jay Bhanushali.