Actor Aamir Khan’s 1999 film Mann was a hit with both its songs and story being well-received by the audience. While fans loved Aamir’s pairing with Manisha Koirala the superstar had initially wanted to cast his friend in the lead role. She is also an actress but has a darker complexion. Aamir recommended her to the film’s director and producer but they were not happy with his choice. At Aamir’s request the actress did a photoshoot where she had to appear fairer than him. After the shoot she realised she wouldn’t be getting the role. The actress in question is Nandita Das who recently shared this story on Aamir Khan’s 60th birthday. Nandita took to Instagram to post about this memorable experience. She shared a picture from their 1999 film 1947 Earth directed by Deepa Mehta and another from the photoshoot where she was made to look fair. In her post she wrote “I met Aamir around 1997-98 for the film 1947 Earth. I think it’s one of his best performances. In the film he may have betrayed me but in real life we got along well and remained friends. He wanted me to be in Mann. I was sure director Indra Kumar and producer Ashok Thakeria didn’t approve of his choice. A dark-skinned actress who had done films like Fire and Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa—there was no chance! But who could say no to Aamir? I wasn’t particularly interested but Aamir insisted.” She further added “A photoshoot was arranged where I had to look fairer than him. That’s when I knew I didn’t want to do the film. We laugh about it now but thank you Aamir for believing in me.”     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Nandita Das (@nanditadasofficial) It is said that Aamir tried convincing the producers to cast Nandita but she felt she wasn’t right for the role. Eventually Manisha Koirala starred opposite Aamir in Mann which also featured Anil Kapoor Sharmila Tagore Neeraj Vohra and Rani Mukerji in a special appearance.