'Khalnayak' turns 32: When Nana Patekar was the first choice for Balaram 'Ballu" Prasad', here's how Sanjay Dutt ultimately bagged the iconic role
While many remember the movie's on-screen magic, some behind-the-scenes facts are lesser-known. For instance, the legendary director originally envisioned a different actor for the titular role. Read on to uncover this and more fascinating trivia about 'Khalnayak' on its special anniversary.
Read on to learn everything there is to know about the casting change.
Nana Patekar was supposed to play Billu in 'Khalnayak,' not Sanjay Dutt
Subhash Ghai discussed 'Khalnayak,' how he came up with the concept for the movie, and the actor he originally had in mind for the title role in an earlier interview with ETimes.
The director disclosed that Raavan gave him the idea to make the Sanjay Dutt-starring movie because, at the time, no character-based movie had been made.
Initially, director Subhash Ghai envisioned 'Khalnayak' as an art film and had Nana Patekar in mind for the lead role. Ghai's original intention was to write a more subdued story. However, his writer convinced him to change course, suggesting they create a more commercial and grand-scale movie instead of one that would appeal to only a niche audience.
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The director claimed that he had originally signed Nana Patekar to play the lead role because he wanted a middle-aged actor to play the part. Sanjay Dutt was cast because, while writing the story, Ghai realized he needed a misguided young man to make the story believable.
Subhash Ghai on Anil Kapoor desiring to be a villain
Subhash Ghai disclosed in the same conversation that he is absolutely certain Jackie Shroff will portray Ram. But he also mentioned that Anil Kapoor was eager to play the antagonist in 'Khalnayak.'
'He came to my house two or three times and said, Subhash ji, I want to do this role," the filmmaker said. "I said that the scenario will not suit you. You will go, I will go, and the film will also go.' According to reports at the time of production, Aamir Khan was also considered for the villain role.
But Aamir wanted to do Saudagar, not Khal Nayak, Ghai explained.
All about 'Khalnayak'
Subhash Ghai wrote, directed, and produced the film, which starred Sanjay Dutt in the title role and Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, and Rakhee Gulzar in supporting parts. A 1993 Bollywood blockbuster, the movie won multiple accolades, particularly for its song Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai. Later, 'Khalnayak' was remade as 'Khaidi No. 1' in Telugu, 'Hero' in Tamil, and 'Billa' in Punjabi.
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