For Ghai, composer A R Rahman was central to the film’s vision. “I told him (Rahman) that ‘my title is Taal and you are the hero’ and he was very happy,” Ghai reveals, adding “Once you name a film ‘Taal’ you have to live up to the title. For this, Rahman, who has international sensibilities, worked with lyricist Anand Bakshi and singer Sukhwinder Singh. Subsequently, the songs were recorded, and we spent some 80 days together. After that, I redrafted my script as per the music.”

The film’s choreography was a collaboration between three renowned choreographers. “Because the journey was from rural areas and cities to the cosmetic world, there was a growth in story, even in terms of costumes and presentation. So Shiamak Davar, Ahmad Khan, and (late) Saroj Khan came together for the film and helped me a lot,” Ghai says while adding that their combined efforts contributed to the film’s exemplary dance sequences.

Reflecting on the challenge of reinventing his style and creating a film that was distinct from his earlier works, Ghai shares, “I was inventing a new Subhash Ghai. I changed myself as the director [everyone knew] and went for a different trip,” adding, “The film was a very big shift from my own sensibility of commercial cinema. Since it was a pure musical, I decided to do away with villains, fights, violence as well as mirch masala.”

Although there were rumours that actor Mahima Chaudhry was first considered for the role of Mansi, Ghai reveals that (late) choreographer Saroj Khan was instrumental in casting Aishwarya Rai.

“One day I asked Saroj, ‘Who is the best dancer among all the heroines on my wishlist’ and she responded with Aishwarya’s name. So I called up Ash, narrated her the story and brought her on board,” Ghai shares.