New Delhi, May 26, 2026: The 2006 socio-political romantic thriller Fanaa, starring Aamir Khan and Kajol, remains a landmark project in Hindi cinema. Produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Kunal Kohli, the movie is widely celebrated for its gripping storyline, stunning locales, and timeless music. However, as the film crosses its 20-year milestone, fresh behind-the-scenes memories have surfaced from the cast.
In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, actress and television host Shruti Seth—who played Fatima (“Fatty”), one of the close friends of Kajol’s blind Kashmiri character, Zooni—opened up about her unforgettable experiences on set. Most notably, she recalled a core memory of being heavily scolded and “yelled at” by the legendary, late choreographer Saroj Khan during the shoot of the movie’s iconic patriotic song, “Des Rangila”.
The Mortifying Set Incident
Saroj Khan was famous in Bollywood for her unmatched creative genius, but she was equally known for being a strict, no-nonsense taskmaster who demanded absolute discipline from everyone on her set. Shruti Seth experienced this firsthand during the filming of the grand dance sequence in New Delhi.
Seth admitted that her own lack of focus triggered the confrontation. While “Masterji” (as Saroj Khan was affectionately known) was trying to give intricate choreography instructions to the group, Seth was distracted and busy chatting with an assistant director on set—Danish Aslam—who happened to be her boyfriend at the time (and is now her husband).
Khan, known for her sharp eyes and zero tolerance for unprofessionalism, noticed the distraction immediately. She halted the entire rehearsal, called Seth out in front of the entire crew, and demanded:
Seth described the moment as the most mortifying experience of her life. She recalled that Khan was deeply irritated, especially since Seth’s hectic television schedule shooting the hit fantasy-comedy show Shararat had prevented her from attending the mandatory pre-shoot dance rehearsals. Standing before the iconic choreographer and a frozen crew, Khan delivered a stinging rebuke, essentially asking the young actress if she even deemed herself worthy of being on that set if she couldn’t give it her full attention.
Unpacking the Rigor of a Bollywood Legend
Reflecting on the incident two decades later, Seth’s perspective contains no lingering resentment. Instead, she views the confrontation through a lens of deep respect and maturity, acknowledging that the high-pressure demands of legendary creators come from a place of artistic devotion rather than malice.
“Mujhe bahut daant padi unse (I got scolded a lot by her),” Seth shared candidly. She added that while modern sensibilities might advocate for softer, more sensitive approaches to workplace communication, it is important to expand one’s heart and understand the baseline expectations of industry pioneers.
According to Seth, Khan’s outburst was not born out of a desire to enforce a strict corporate hierarchy or to belittle a supporting actor. Rather, it came from a pure expectation of excellence. Because Saroj Khan consistently gave 100% of her time, effort, and creative energy to her craft, she expected the exact same level of focus from everyone around her, whether they were a background dancer, a newcomer, or a massive superstar. Seth noted that this relentless drive for perfection is precisely what separates enduring legends from typical novices.
A “Mother Hen” Off-Camera
Despite her fierce reputation when the cameras were ready to roll, Saroj Khan possessed a completely different persona once the day’s work was successfully wrapped. Seth fondly recalled the nurturing, maternal side of the legendary choreographer that balanced her strict on-set behavior.
The moment the shoot wrapped or the cameras were turned off, the irritability completely vanished. Khan would transition seamlessly into a “mother hen” figure, looking after the entire cast and crew, ensuring everyone was fed, comfortable, and happy. She never carried the tension or the rigid demands of the choreography into her personal interactions off-set, allowing the actors to relax and be themselves. Seth expressed a sense of nostalgia for that era of filmmaking, admitting that she genuinely misses having old-school mentors who cared enough to demand absolute dedication and an unwavering work ethic.
The Lasting Personal and Professional Legacy of Fanaa
Despite the intense scolding, the sets of Fanaa remain an incredibly warm and special memory for Seth. Professionally, it marked her first major venture with powerhouse banner Yash Raj Films and gave her the opportunity to share screen space with elite actors like Kajol and Aamir Khan. She previously noted that despite their towering industry stature, the lead actors were incredibly welcoming and never made her feel lesser-than on set.
On a personal level, Fanaa completely altered the course of her life. The assistant director she was chatting with—the very distraction that earned her Saroj Khan’s wrath—was Danish Aslam. The two continued dating long after the film’s release and eventually married in a beautiful ceremony in Goa. Proving the enduring family-like bond formed during the production, Fanaa director Kunal Kohli actually officiated their wedding.
The film itself went on to become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2006, overcoming significant political controversies and theater bans in states like Gujarat to secure its place as a classic. For supporting cast members like Shruti Seth, the movie represents a beautiful era of rigorous training, lifelong relationships, and unforgettable lessons from the masters of Indian cinema.