Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor have collaborated on numerous films, including Ajnabee, Talaash, Dosti, Aitraaz, Good Newwz, and Kambakkht Ishq, among others.

Producer Pahlaj Nihalani recently spoke to a channel named Learn From The Legend, where he disclosed how Akshay expressed his desire to have Kareena join the cast for their film Talaash, which was released in 2003.

Nihalani stated, “In the past, producers and directors would handle casting decisions without interference from the actors. The first actor to involve himself in casting with me was Akshay Kumar for Talaash in 2002.

He said, ‘We can begin filming tomorrow, and you can pay me whatever you wish, but the leading lady of this film must be Kareena Kapoor.’ At that time, it was one of the most expensive films, produced at a cost of Rs 22 crore. This was the first instance in my career where an actor specifically requested a particular cast.”