Parmeet Sethi aka DDLJ's Kuljeet says he almost didn't land his iconic role: 'Was told I my vibes were too…'

Long before Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge became a timeless Bollywood classic, actor Parmeet Sethi was just another hopeful artist attending a Diwali party that would unknowingly change his life. Known for playing the brash and entitled Kuljeet, the man once engaged to Simran (Kajol) in the film, Parmeet’s journey to landing that memorable role was filled with coincidences, persistence, and pure destiny.

The Party That Changed Everything
Parmeet recalled that it all began at a Diwali celebration hosted by the legendary Yash Chopra. He attended the event with his wife, actress Archana Puran Singh, unaware that the evening would open the door to his most recognizable role. During the party, he heard murmurs about a new Yash Raj project that Aditya Chopra was working on. However, despite being in close proximity to the production house, he had to struggle to even be considered for the part.


A few days later, while visiting a mutual friend, actress Kirron Kher mentioned that she had suggested the title Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Yash Chopra. She went on to say that Aditya was searching for someone “like Parmeet” for a second lead. Surprised, Parmeet wondered why Aditya, who already knew him personally, hadn’t reached out. At that very instant, fate intervened.

A call from Yash Raj Films
In a remarkable twist, Parmeet received a call from a Juhu number—none other than Yash Raj Films. Kirron Kher confirmed it was Yash Chopra’s line, and Parmeet immediately returned the call. Aditya Chopra invited him for a meeting. Armed with his VHS tape and a portfolio, Parmeet met Aditya at his home. But what followed was not the outcome he had hoped for.

Aditya Chopra told him candidly that his aura was “too positive” for a negative role. Parmeet left heartbroken, convinced the opportunity had slipped through his fingers. The disappointment lingered for weeks. He couldn’t stop thinking about the part—he felt deeply connected to the character of Kuljeet and believed he could bring something special to the role.

Refusing to accept defeat, Parmeet mustered the courage to call Aditya again and requested a screen test. Aditya agreed, handing him four important scenes from the film.

Winning the role through grit and guts

Determined to prove himself, Parmeet infused the scenes with his own creative touches. He reworked a few lines to sound more authentically Punjabi, capturing Kuljeet’s raw, rustic energy. Archana helped him fine-tune some of the dialogues, adding subtle regional flavor.

Aditya asked him to perform both on and off camera to evaluate how he translated on screen. Parmeet recalled being nervous as he and Aditya watched the recorded footage together. After what felt like an eternity, Aditya finally turned to him and said the words that changed everything—he had found his Kuljeet.

Overwhelmed with joy, Parmeet embraced him and ran out of the studio, unable to contain his excitement. He and Archana got into their tiny Maruti 800, drove to the main road, and screamed with happiness.

Parmeet also shared fond memories of working alongside Shah Rukh Khan, who played Raj. He described Shah Rukh as patient, encouraging, and generous as a co-star. One particular scene at the farm, where both were supposed to drink beer as the sun set, proved challenging because of time constraints. Parmeet struggled to get the timing right while opening the bottle with his mouth. Shah Rukh, with his theatre background, calmly guided him through it.


Their camaraderie dated back to earlier world tours where Parmeet accompanied Archana during stage shows with Shah Rukh and the Morani brothers. That prior connection made shooting together even smoother. When Parmeet wanted another take despite Yash Chopra being satisfied, Shah Rukh supported him wholeheartedly. According to Parmeet, Shah Rukh never hesitated to give additional takes and always put teamwork first.

The eternal legacy of DDLJ

Directed and written by Aditya Chopra, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge marked his directorial debut and went on to redefine romance in Indian cinema. The story of two NRIs, Raj and Simran, who battle parental disapproval for love, became a cultural phenomenon.

Released in 1995, the film earned a staggering ₹102.5 crore worldwide—equivalent to over ₹524 crore today—and won ten Filmfare Awards, including Best Film and Best Director. It also bagged the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Three decades later, DDLJ continues to run at Mumbai’s iconic Maratha Mandir theatre, maintaining its record as the longest-running film in Indian history. And somewhere within that enduring love story, Parmeet Sethi’s fiery portrayal of Kuljeet remains unforgettable—a testament to passion, persistence, and the magic of cinema.