In a recent interview, renowned advertisement film director Prahlad Kakkar shared an interesting anecdote about casting for a commercial early in his career, involving actors Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Kakkar, known for working with Bollywood icons, revealed that Aamir Khan initially quoted a significantly higher fee for the advertisement compared to Shah Rukh Khan.

According to Kakkar, Aamir Khan, fresh off the success of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), demanded Rs 25 lakh for the endorsement. In contrast, Shah Rukh Khan, who was also a rising star at the time, offered to do the same commercial for just Rs 6 lakh. Kakkar explained that Shah Rukh Khan was living in a rented property and needed the money to buy his house, Mannat. He was short of the required amount and had "no ulterior motive" other than securing his own home in Mumbai.

Despite the considerable difference in their fees, Kakkar admitted he was more inclined to cast Aamir Khan in the advertisement. He even shot another commercial with Shah Rukh Khan later. Kakkar's decision stemmed from the perception of the two actors at the time. He felt that "Shah Rukh still looked like a wannabe main lead," while "Aamir looked like a fresh face and not an actor".

Kakkar also revealed that Aamir Khan was initially hesitant to do the commercial. At the time, there was a perception in the industry that actors only turned to commercials when their film careers were not thriving. Kakkar persuaded Aamir by assuring him that the advertisement would, in fact, elevate his status as an actor. He told Aamir, "It will make you bigger as an actor". Aamir eventually agreed but insisted on the Rs 25 lakh fee.

The advertisement in question also featured Mahima Chaudhary and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Notably, Aishwarya Rai's appearance in the ad proved to be a turning point in her career. Kakkar recounted receiving numerous calls inquiring about "Sanju," Aishwarya's character in the ad, which led to her overnight fame.

Kakkar, who recently released his book, Adman Madman: Unapologetically Prahlad, shared these insights during an interview, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of the advertising world and the early careers of two of Bollywood's biggest stars. He also spoke about how his ideas had been 'atrangi' for his clients. Kakkar, in the interview, also opened up about his naked photoshoot for a newspaper. He mentioned that he has always lived by breaking societal rules.