Prahlad Kakkar, a renowned figure in the Indian advertising world, has worked with numerous Bollywood celebrities, including Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. In a recent interview, Kakkar shed light on why he chose Aamir Khan over Shah Rukh Khan for a particular project, revealing insights into the actors' images and market values at the time.

Kakkar stated that Aamir Khan had a "clean image" compared to Shah Rukh Khan. This perception played a crucial role in his decision-making process. According to Kakkar, Aamir was seen as the "innocent boy next door," which aligned perfectly with the requirements of the film. In contrast, Shah Rukh Khan, despite his charm and popularity, didn't have as squeaky-clean an image, especially considering his early film roles.

At the time, Shah Rukh Khan was charging significantly less than Aamir Khan for his services. While Aamir Khan was quoting around ₹17 lakhs, Shah Rukh Khan was available for approximately ₹6 lakhs. Kakkar revealed that Shah Rukh Khan was willing to work for a lower price because he needed ₹6 lakhs to buy a house. Despite the significant price difference, Kakkar chose Aamir Khan because he wanted the actor whose image best fit the film's requirements.

Kakkar's decision highlights the importance of an actor's image and public perception in advertising. While Shah Rukh Khan was undoubtedly talented and popular, his image at the time didn't align with the specific needs of the project as well as Aamir Khan's did. This decision underscores the strategic considerations that go into casting decisions in the advertising industry, where aligning an actor's image with the brand message is paramount.

Kakkar has also shared anecdotes about working with Aamir Khan, revealing the actor's dedication to his craft and his meticulous nature. He recalled an incident during the shooting of a Pepsi ad featuring Aamir Khan and Aishwarya Rai, where Aamir's perfectionism led to disagreements between the two. Kakkar wanted Aamir to be more spontaneous in a particular shot, but Aamir was concerned that the shot was not good enough. Despite Kakkar's insistence that the shot was fine, Aamir remained unconvinced, leading to a heated exchange.

Ultimately, Kakkar had to assert his authority as the director, reminding Aamir that the film was his responsibility and that he wouldn't compromise his judgment. Aamir eventually relented after watching the film multiple times with friends who also endorsed Kakkar's vision. This incident illustrates Aamir Khan's commitment to perfection and Kakkar's willingness to stand his ground to protect his creative vision.

Moreover, Kakkar has also spoken about the challenges of filming with Aamir Khan during the Mumbai riots of the early 1990s. Despite the unrest and safety concerns, they continued with the shoot, demonstrating the team's resilience and dedication. Kakkar even recalled how his crew had to dress up in police uniforms to provide security for Aamir Khan after their request for police protection was unsuccessful. These experiences highlight the challenges and complexities of filmmaking in challenging circumstances and the camaraderie that develops between cast and crew members.

In conclusion, Prahlad Kakkar's decision to choose Aamir Khan over Shah Rukh Khan was based on a strategic assessment of their respective images and how well they aligned with the requirements of the project. While both actors were talented and popular, Aamir Khan's "clean image" made him the better fit for the film. Kakkar's experiences working with Aamir Khan reveal the actor's dedication to his craft, his meticulous nature, and the challenges of filmmaking in difficult circumstances.