Soha Ali Khan recently reflected on her career’s turning point, when a surprising offer led her to leave behind corporate life. 

The 46-year-old star, who was earning a steady salary at Citibank while managing rent of Rs 17,000, revealed in a recent chat that her original plan was to move to London, get a work permit, and eventually build a life there. 

In an interview with Mashable India, she explained that the circumstances however changed when director Amol Palekar approached her with the script of Paheli. 

She admitted that she had some interest in acting and was also tempted by the offer, but at that time she didn’t really understand what it took to act in films.

 Remembering her meeting with Palekar, she said, “He came to me and I said, ‘I definitely want to do this.’ He told me, ‘Then you’ll have to quit your job because it will take months.’” 

Excited about the story and the chance of being launched with a fresh face, she decided to take the step. 

But soon after, the director called with news that left her shocked. 

He told her that Shah Rukh Khan was part of the film, which made her happy at first, but then revealed that she would not be playing the role anymore. 

“I was like, ‘Ouch.’ And then I thought, how will I pay my rent now?” she shared. In the end, Rani Mukerji replaced her in the film. 

Following to it, she began her acting journey with the Bengali film Iti Srikanta, alongside Adil Hussain.