While the biopic on astronaut Rakesh Sharma was conceived with Aamir Khan in mind, the actor had to let go of the project due to his busy date diary. The superstar showed that his friendship with Shah Rukh Khan had no place for competition when he graciously passed on the script of Saare Jahan Se Achha to the latter.

Writer Anjum Rajabali revealed that Shah Rukh would be a natural fit for the role, bringing his own brand of charm to the story of the real-life hero. "Shah Rukh came on board after a few days of discussion. I'm sure he will bring his own maturity to the script and the character."