Amitabh & Rajesh Khanna Rejected This Sridevi Film, It Became a Blockbuster!

Indian cinema has a complex history with controversies and stories developed out of conjecture. Despite the fact that truth is far from being revealed, there are subtle hints. Acceptance and rejection of films by actors is a collective phenomenon in this context. One such concern is this 80s superhit which was turned down by actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna. This film was with Sridevi, who was an actress in high demand from them. But the actor that finally played the lead, became an overnight sensation.

This film came out much before its time. Sridevi was appreciated for her fashion style and her singing. The film released in 1987 and was directed by Shekar Kapur, who managed to achieve the second highest grosser of the year. The movie was ‘Mr. India.’

Why Did Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna Not Want To Take Part In It?

The film was created by the epic duo of the time, Salim-Javed. There are various reports that suggest the writers initially wrote for Rajesh Khanna but it was pitched to Amitabh Bachchan instead. Who, as we all know, declined the part. According to Big B, an invisible hero would greatly impair how the hero performed. Some reports mention there being a miscommunication that occurred at a Holi party that was the tipping point. The refusal from bahchans side made khanna also do not want to take up the role.

Other than Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Amrish Puri, and Satish Kaushik who played Mr. India, Mogambo, and Calendar, respectively, the film also included other characters. Mogambo is a character that has been part of history for years, and the famous lines ‘Mogambo Khush Hua’ still remain part of popular culture.

He was initially offered to Anupam Kher. During his later interactions Satish Kaushik spoke to Mumbai Mirror and said, "Do you know that Mogambo was to be played by Anupam Kher?" But, when we got him into costume him and screen tested him, everyone felt he looked more funny than ferocious. Then I had the enviable task of telling my old buddy that he was out of the film. We eventually signed a more menacing Amrish Puri as the comic book villain of Mr India and the rest, as they say is history.”

Besides the pop references, this particular Shekhar Kapur film still holds popularity.