Amitabh Bachchan was replaced by Vinod Khanna in Shaque after 16 flops, reveals director Aruna Raje: ‘The producer just didn't want him'
Recalling the incident, Aruna shared that the producer was adamant about not casting Big B in the film due to his poor box office record at the time. She said during an appearance on the YouTube channel Bollywood Crypt, 'Our first casting was Amitabh Bachchan and Waheeda Rehman. (Around that time) Amitabh's films flopped and the producer NB Kamat just didn't want him. He told us, 'The film won't happen'. So we said, 'All right, who else then?' He asked us to look for another actor, and a known one. So, we thought of Vinod Khanna and Kamat got a meeting with him for us and he agreed to do the film straight off.'
In an old interview with The Filmy Charcha, veteran actor Raza Murad had also shared a similar incident when Amitabh Bachchan was ousted from the film Duniya Ka Mela due to his string of flops. He said, 'Amitabh Bachchan was thrown out of Duniya Ka Mela. The makers replaced him with Sanjay Khan. 16 of his films had flopped. Distributors said, 'nobody will turn up to theatres if he stars in a film'. At that time, his luck was not with him. But when the luck was in his favour, everything fell in place.'
It was indeed luck that led Amitabh to bag Zanjeer, as all the other superstars of that time had refused to star in the film. Raza recalled the same and said, 'When director Prakash Mehra wanted to make Zanjeer, he went to Dilip Kumar, Dharmendra, Dev Anand, Rajkumar, and they all refused for some or the other reason. The subject was extremely hero-oriented, yet these superstars rejected it. Nobody knows why, but one can say that the luck wanted Amitabh Bachchan to lead the film. When nobody wanted him, and Prakash Mehra had no option, Jaya Bachchan (then Jaya Bhaduri) recommended that the director take Amitabh Bachchan, and the rest is history.'
After Zanjeer, Amitabh went on to deliver many iconic films with Salim-Javed, including Deewaar, Sholay, Kaala Patthar, Trishul, Majboor, Shakti, and Don, cementing his place as the leading star of Indian cinema.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
4 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Dhadak 2: Shazia Iqbal destroys ancient Bollywood Dharma in the best Karan Johar production since Jigra
Something that Quentin Tarantino said recently rings true for director Shazia Iqbal's Dhadak 2. In an interview, he explained why he admires the controversial blockbuster film Joker, despite the divisive reactions that it opened to. Tarantino said that the movie pulled off 'subversion on a massive level', when it got audiences across the globe to root for a madman to shoot a celebrity in the face on live TV. These were all civilised people, Tarantino said. And yet, for around 10 minutes, they were hungry for blood. It's an unusual comparison to make, but Dhadak 2 has more in common with a billion-dollar-grossing Hollywood movie than you'd imagine. In an alternate universe, Siddhant Chaturvedi's character in the film, a Dalit man named Neelesh, could have very easily turned into a vengeful anarchist. In the film's climactic showdown, after escaping from the clutches of a malevolent Anton Chigurh-type assassin played by Saurabh Sachdeva, Neelesh turns his attention to the film's main antagonist, a Brahmin guy called Ronny who's been harassing him for months. He grabs a hold of Ronny, drags him onto the street, and pummels him into the ground. Like Sunny Deol, he uproots a metallic gate, and prepares to bash Ronny's face in with it. In that moment, there is nothing more that you, as a member of the audience, can desire more than for Ronny to be murdered in the most brutal manner imaginable. Also read – Jigra: Vasan Bala weaponises Alia Bhatt in one of the best Hindi films of the year; Karan Johar better have his back This is 'subversion on a massive level' – to get seemingly civilised people to briefly think like wild animals. Comedians do this all the time. Joker did it as well. Directed by Todd Phillips, the movie pointed fingers at polite society for turning a blind eye to the mentally ill. Their ignorance, the movie suggested, is what compels folks like Arthur Fleck to take matters into their own hands. In Dhadak 2, Neelesh experiences many of the same indignities that were directed at Arthur in Joker. He is humiliated in public, kicked while he's down, even urinated on. Dhadak 2 could've been the origin story of a mass-murdering criminal; had Neelesh transformed into a lunatic killer, you'd 100% understand why. But Dhadak 2 isn't a comic book movie. It is, however, one of the most daring examples of what can be achieved in mainstream Hindi filmmaking. There are elements of exploitation cinema — Tarantino's favourite genre — in Dhadak 2 as well. But the tone isn't nearly as gnarly as it could've been; for a real glimpse at how far things can be pushed past the boundaries of good taste, you needn't look further than Mari Selvaraj's Vaazhai, an autobiographical drama that he released last year. Incidentally, Dhadak 2 is a remake of Selvaraj's debut film, Pariyerum Perumal. It follows a lower-caste man's tentative romance with a girl from an upper-caste family. In Dhadak 2 — the film has had the misfortune of being retroactively rebranded as a 'spiritual sequel', much like the recent Kesari: Chapter 2 — Neelesh understands that he could get murdered for even speaking to someone like Viddhi, let alone for developing feelings for her. Read more – Stolen: The rare Hindi movie that isn't afraid to insult its own audience, and you know what, we deserve it Chaturvedi plays him with a timidity that is more self-imposed than it is ingrained. He is driven only by one objective: to gain an education for the benefit of the same people to whom it has been denied. Neelesh also delivers a version of the line that made Chaturvedi go viral some years ago, when he told the presumably more privileged Ananya Panday that his dreams end where her struggles begin. In Dhadak 2, Neelesh gains admission into a law college through the SC/ST quota, something that the ingrates in his class never let him forget. They don't understand that for him to even have the opportunity to be seated in the same room as them is essentially a miracle. Instead of celebrating him for swimming against the tide his entire life and challenging an oppressive system by merely existing, they ostracise him. The harassment only becomes worse when he starts dating Viddhi, played by a never-better Triptii Dimri. She happens to be related to Ronny, who threatens to (honour) kill her on several occasions. It's a familiar set-up, but one that has historically been sugarcoated in cinema by class-conflict, socioeconomic differences, and sometimes, plain geographical distance. All of these issues are code for caste. In India, every injustice can be traced back to a single source; it's the disgusting 'nala' that we're all drinking from. Income inequality, hunger, lack of education, denial of fundamental rights… Everything. Read more –Bheed: Anubhav Sinha's movie is a messy, confrontational, and deeply angry response to blasé Bollywood We live in a country where a man can be killed for growing a style of moustache that the upper castes have claimed as their own. India is perhaps one of the few nations in the world where literal laws have to be enforced in order to prevent people from killing their own children. To do the dirty work for them, the cowards hire midwives for the nominal sum of Rs 50. These midwives murder female babies for a living not because they enjoy it, but because they've been subjugated and oppressed for their entire lives; it's a family trade; their daughters will follow in their footsteps. They aren't allowed to do anything else. What sort of society allows this? These uncomfortable truths are rarely, if ever, spoken about inside our homes, let alone in our cinema. The Malayali filmmakers are leading the charge on this front as well, while Bollywood self-combusts at the very idea of discomfort. But, in recent years, there has been a growing wave of Hindi directors who've dared to expose us for who we are. Iqbal is the youngest to join their ranks, and she probably had other barriers to overcome. She's a minority twice over. You can sense her growing pains in the Dhadak 2's odd comic interludes, a needless song-and-dance number, and one-note soundtrack. Collectively, all of it feels like a giant Ormax Media note more than anything else. But her movie has more integrity than the entire filmographies of her colleagues put together. Her voice is bebaak. Dhadak 2 is the best film of its kind since Nagraj Manjule's Jhund, and one that producer Karan Johar should hang forever and ever on his mantelpiece. Post Credits Scene is a column in which we dissect new releases every week, with particular focus on context, craft, and characters. Because there's always something to fixate about once the dust has settled. Rohan Naahar is an assistant editor at Indian Express online. He covers pop-culture across formats and mediums. He is a 'Rotten Tomatoes-approved' critic and a member of the Film Critics Guild of India. He previously worked with the Hindustan Times, where he wrote hundreds of film and television reviews, produced videos, and interviewed the biggest names in Indian and international cinema. At the Express, he writes a column titled Post Credits Scene, and has hosted a podcast called Movie Police. You can find him on X at @RohanNaahar, and write to him at He is also on LinkedIn and Instagram. ... Read More
India.com
4 minutes ago
- India.com
Happy Birthday Deepak Chahar! Inside His Fairytale Love Story With Wife Jaya Bharadwaj
photoDetails english 2942431 Deepak Chahar's love story with wife Jaya Bharadwaj has captured the hearts of cricket and IPL fans alike. From a chance meeting arranged by his sister Malti Chahar to a viral on-field IPL proposal, their romantic journey feels straight out of a Bollywood movie. Jaya, known for her stunning looks and successful corporate background, continues to support Deepak's cricket career with unwavering devotion. Their story, filled with family blessings, viral engagement moments, and deep chemistry, makes them one of India's most adored cricket couples. Search trends for 'Deepak Chahar wife,' 'Jaya Bharadwaj photos,' and 'IPL proposal video' continue to soar. Updated:Aug 07, 2025, 07:51 AM IST 1. A Sister's Role in Romance 1 / 20 Deepak's sister Malti Chahar played cupid, setting up the first meeting that would soon evolve into one of Indian cricket's most loved relationships. 2. From Friendship to Forever 2 / 20 Within just five months, their bond grew from friendly chats to full-blown love, showing how fast true love can blossom when it's real. 3. An IPL Proposal That Went Viral 3 / 20 In a moment that stunned fans, Deepak proposed to Jaya on live television during an IPL match, making it one of the most iconic proposals in cricket history. 4. Jaya's Bollywood-Level Beauty 4 / 20 Jaya's looks often draw comparisons to top Bollywood stars, with fans praising her for her elegance and radiant charm at public events. 5. A Stellar Corporate Career 5 / 20 Before entering the spotlight, Jaya thrived in the corporate world as a team lead in Delhi—proof that she's more than just a pretty face. 6. Always by His Side 6 / 20 Jaya is regularly spotted cheering from the stands during CSK and India matches, making her Deepak's biggest cheerleader on and off the field. 7. Family-First Approach 7 / 20 Deepak made sure Jaya met his family early in the relationship, earning their approval before the engagement—a move that fans loved. 8. United Families, Stronger Bonds 8 / 20 Their relationship is backed by love and support from both families, adding stability and warmth to their public image. 9. Deepak's Swing Mastery 9 / 20 Known for his early breakthroughs, Chahar's ability to swing the ball remains one of the biggest assets for Chennai Super Kings and India. 10. A T20I Hat-Trick Hero 10 / 20 Deepak became the first Indian to take a T20I hat-trick in 2019 vs Bangladesh, etching his name in cricket history forever. 11. Viral Engagement Photos 11 / 20 Photos of Deepak's on-field proposal trended across platforms, making 'Deepak Chahar proposal video' a top-searched keyword during the IPL. 12. Social Media Darlings 12 / 20 Their romantic photos, vacation moments, and couple selfies regularly go viral, boosting engagement across cricket and Bollywood fan pages. 13. An Endearing Couple Aesthetic 13 / 20 Jaya's glamorous style paired with Deepak's athletic persona makes them one of the most photogenic couples in Indian cricket. 14. Trending Search Terms: 'Deepak Chahar Wife' 14 / 20 Searches for 'Who is Deepak Chahar's wife?' and 'Jaya Bharadwaj biography' spike every IPL season—proof that public interest remains high. 15. Bollywood-Like Plotline 15 / 20 With a public proposal, family acceptance, and strong careers, their story has all the makings of a Bollywood blockbuster romance. 16. A Love Story Cricket Fans Adore 16 / 20 Their journey appeals to fans of all ages, driving traffic to every article, reel, or post that features them. 17. Perfect Match Vibes 17 / 20 Jaya and Deepak's chemistry is palpable at public events and Instagram videos—making them the definition of #CoupleGoals for Gen Z and millennials. 18. A Relationship Built on Mutual Respect 18 / 20 Whether it's Jaya supporting cricket tours or Deepak respecting her corporate journey, theirs is a relationship founded on admiration. 19. Top Cricket Couple in Google Trends 19 / 20 'Deepak Chahar Jaya Bharadwaj love story' ranks consistently on Google's trending IPL couples list, especially around Chahar's birthday or IPL milestones. 20. A Forever Love Worth Following 20 / 20 Fans can't get enough of their journey—from the proposal to now, every new photo or story draws thousands of shares and likes, making them social media royalty.
Mint
34 minutes ago
- Mint
Dhadak 2 Box Office Collection Day 6: Triptii Dimri's movie slows midweek, collects only THIS much
Dhadak 2 Box Office Collection Day 6: Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri starrer Dhadak 2 saw a midweek slowdown in its earnings at the Indian box office. However, the movie has finally crossed the ₹ 15 crore mark. Dhadak 2's earnings have been significantly hit by blockbuster Saiyaara and Hombale Films' mythological animated film Mahavatar Narsimha. It also had some competition from Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardaar 2, which was also released on Friday, August 1. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Dhadak 2 earned ₹ 1.04 crore on Wednesday, Day 6. The movie, which had maintained its average weekday earnings, slipped by 36.97% on August 6. Its Day 6 earnings are Dhadak 2's lowest earnings for a single day so far. In its six-day run, Dhadak 2 earned only ₹ 15.44 crore, while Son of Sardaar 2 earned more than double— ₹ 31.49 crore. Dhadak 2 had an overall 13.05% Hindi occupancy on Wednesday Dhadak 2 had the highest number of screenings in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, with 334, 231, and 177 shows, respectively. However, other regions across India are only running shows in double digits, highlighting the film's declining demand within the first 7 days of its release. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Jaipur are currently leading in terms of occupancy. Meanwhile, regions like Lucknow, Kolkata, and Bhopal have witnessed a noticeable decline in theatre occupancy. Dhadak 2 has also earned ₹ 2.75 crore overseas, taking its global total to ₹ 20 crore. Its India gross was reported to be ₹ 17.25 crore. IMDb describes Dhadak 2, directed by Shazia Iqbal, as 'A searing romantic drama about identity, power, and the cost of love in the world we live in.' The movie stars Saad Bilgrami, Manjiri Pupala, Richa, Vipin Sharma, Deeksha Joshi, Mayank Khanna, Aditya Thakare, Shantanu Pandey, Bala, Priyank Tiwari, Ashwant Lodhi and Amit Jaat in key roles.
