Director Amol Palekar reflected on his experience filming Paheli (2005) in an interview, noting that the original script by Vijaydan Detha remained unchanged throughout production despite the involvement of prominent actors. Palekar characterised Shah Rukh Khan as a thoughtful performer and praised Rani Mukerji for her instinctive approach to acting, with support from Amitabh Bachchan rounding out the cast.

The 2005 romantic fantasy film tells the story of Lachchi (Mukerji), married to Kishanlal (Khan), who is replaced by a ghost (also Khan) during a five-year business absence. Upon Kishanlal's return, both claim their place in Lachchi's affections until she ultimately chooses to live with both. Palekar credited the film's strength to maintaining fidelity to the original written material, which simplified his directorial task and allowed creative focus.