Preity Zinta's mother's role in Kal Ho Naa Ho was initially offered to Neetu Kapoor but was later played by Jaya Bachchan. Neetu Kapoor revealed she declined the role due to Rishi Kapoor's reservations. Karan Johar had also considered Kareena Kapoor for the lead role, but she asked for a high fee, leading to Preity Zinta's casting.