Here's why Smita Patil was ashamed after starring in the popular film 'Namak Halaal' alongside Amitabh Bachchan

Time of India

01-05-2025

Smita Patil
, veteran actress well known for her various iconic roles in
Bollywood
cinema, has faced her own set of ups and downs in the industry. One such incident arises from one of her best works, '
Namak Halaal
'. This was the actress's first mainstream film in Bollywood; however, the story behind how she came to work in this film is certainly interesting.
What happened with 'Namak Halaal'?
The actress initially was set to make her entry into Bollywood mainstream cinema with '
Silsila
', starring alongside
Amitabh Bachchan
. The actress was later on removed from the film alongside
Parveen Babi
. Yash Chopra shared the incident in an interaction with star Shah Rukh Khan, as reported by Aaj Tak.
The actress then made her debut in mainstream cinema with 'Namak Halaal' in 1982. It went on to become one of her most renowned works in Bollywood cinema. While the film was a huge hit, the backstory is also just as interesting.
Rumour has it that Smita Patil was cast alongside Amitabh Bachchan in 'Namak Halaal' as compensation for being kicked off from another film with the actor on his account.
The actress was previously dropped from 'Silsila', which Bachchan took partial responsibility for. It is also said that Amitabh was also to star alongside Smita in one of her films titled 'Gaman'. However, I was unable to do so due to certain undisclosed issues.
Smita did not like working on 'Namak Halaal'
It is also speculated that Smita Patil did not like working for this role. The main reason behind this wasn't some backstory or the actors and directors of the film, but one singular song from the film instead.
Reportedly, Smita was not happy with her song 'Aaj Rapt Jaye To Humen Na Uthaiyo', as the public would see her in an intimate and romantic manner on screen, dancing and lip syncing in a white saree.
The actress had apparently gone home after finishing her shoot and had locked herself up in one of the rooms to cry. Amitabh Bachchan also shared in a blog post that the actress was not at all happy with shooting the film and had to be convinced a lot for it all to work.
He shared that the actress would question everything and could not comprehend 'why she had to do whatever she was being asked to do in the film?' The actress was not at all happy with the shoot, as she was not used to acting in such a way. The actress at the time was well known for her 'serious roles', which in turn affected her while doing 'Namak Halaal', as the actress had to do things that she wasn't comfortable with.
During the release of the actress's book and biography, Amitabh Bachchan shared more about the matter. He said that 'Talking about doing films with me, she did things that were against her nature, like she had to do a rain dance with me in 'Namak Halal.' She felt that this was something completely different from her culture and thinking.'
Smita Patil did not like being recognised for 'Namak Halaal'
After its release, the movie became a blockbuster hit in the public; however, the lead actress was less than happy with the recognition. In the same report, it was shared that the actress was not too keen on the fact that people would recognise her as the actress from 'Namak Halaal'.
Bachchan also shared that 'She told me that she had worked in so many good films, but once when she was at the airport, she felt uncomfortable and even embarrassed that people were recognising her for 'Namak Halal'.'
How Smita Patil was dropped from 'Silsila'
'Silsila' was supposed to be Smita's debut in mainstream cinema, but plans changed at the last minute. It is said that Chopra initially had taken Parveen and Smita for the main roles of the film; however, he had wished to cast Jaya and Rekha instead. The director had qualms about casting the two actresses alongside Amitabh Bachchan. The actor then had reassured Yash Chopra that as long as the actresses agree to it, he has no problem starring alongside Jaya as well as Rekha.
After talking to them, the movie 'Silsila' found itself with a new cast. The problem arose when the previously cast actresses Smita and Parveen had to be informed of the change and rejection. While Parveen Babi smoothly took the change of plans, Smita Patil was another case. The actress was disappointed in the matter, as Yash Chopra had not informed her himself but had done it indirectly through actor Shashi Kapoor.
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