Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's career took a major turn in 2000. At that time, his film Dil Chahta Hai was released. Alongside Saif, the film featured actors like Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, and Preity Zinta. After this film, Saif received many movie offers. The challenge for him was to deliver a hit on his own. In 2004, he proved himself with the film Hum Tum . Directed by Kunal Kohli, the film also starred Rani Mukerji in a lead role. Before Saif, this film had been offered to Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Vivek Oberoi. In an interview with Aaj Tak , director Kunal revealed, "After several heroes declined the film, producer Aditya Chopra suggested Saif Ali Khan's name." Released in 2004, Hum Tum earned Saif Ali Khan a National Award.