11-08-2025
32 Years After Their Rift, Two Legends Shared The Screen And Delivered A 1991 Blockbuster
Saudagar was Manisha Koirala's debut, instantly establishing her as a leading lady in Hindi cinema. The film went on to become the third highest-grossing movie of the year, with its songs and dialogues achieving iconic status. (News18 Hindi)
However, behind the grandeur was a cold war dating back to 1959, when during the filming of Paigam, Raj Kumar reportedly slapped Dilip Kumar in a scene so forcefully that it left a lasting grudge. Industry lore suggests Dilip Kumar had vowed never to work with him again. (News18 Hindi)
Yet destiny intervened. More than three decades later, they found themselves on the same set. Dewan recalls moments of quiet hostility, during the filming of the song Imli Ka Boota, crew members struggled to position the two actors together. (News18 Hindi)
On one occasion, Dilip Kumar was preparing for an emotional death scene while Raj Kumar, who had no scenes that day, sat just eight feet away with his back turned, refusing to look up. There were lighter, if still telling, moments. (News18 Hindi)
During a shoot at a hill station, crowds gathered around Dilip Kumar for photographs, while Raj Kumar placed a chair in the icy waters near a waterfall. When director Ghai asked why, Raj Kumar quipped, "No one will come here to get a photo clicked." (News18 Hindi)
Even co-stars weren't spared. Amrish Puri, who played the antagonist, endured Raj Kumar's exacting demands. In a tug-of-war scene, Raj Kumar insisted on multiple retakes despite the shot being fine. In a fight sequence, he delivered a punch so hard that Puri felt the impact for real. (News18 Hindi)
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