Not Amitabh Bachchan, but this Bollywood star was first choice for Big B-Hema Malini’s Baghban, he refused the offer: ‘He said no actress…’

Released in 2003, Ravi Chopra’s Baghban became a blockbuster. Made on a budget of Rs 10 crores, the movie shattered records, earning Rs 431.1 million. The heart-touching storyline left audiences teary-eyed, teaching the importance of respecting parents, especially of their old age. Additionally, Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan’s on-screen chemistry became widely adored by viewers. On the alternative hand, did you could have got got in mind that the role played by Big B became to start with offered to every other veteran actor?

Yes, you read that right! In an earlier chat with Rediff, Baghban director Ravi Chopra revealed that his father, the late filmmaker BR Chopra, had in the starting up wanted Dilip Kumar to play the character of Raj Malhotra within the film. Ravi shared that when he became shooting his debut film Zameer, which also starred Saira Banu and Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar generously offered his garden for some scenes. Ravi recalled, “All through the shooting, Dad and Dilip’s uncle were sitting and chatting. That’s when Dad narrated the script to Dilip’s uncle, who loved it. But Dad became busy with other films, and Dilip’s uncle desired to start off every other project first.”

Later, Ravi Chopra’s wife, Reenu, also spoke about this. She revealed that BR Chopra had to start with envisioned casting Dilip Kumar and Rakhee within the lead roles in preference to Amitabh and Hema. On the alternative hand, fate had other plans. “My spouse's father became alleged to make that film with Dilip Kumar and Rakhee, but she opted out, and later, he fell sick. The film never got made,” she told The Times of India in 2021.

Reenu also shared that Ravi had invited both Rakhee and Dilip Kumar for the muhurat of the film. Unfortunately, as due to the Dilip’s health issues, he may not attend the event. Reenu mentioned that after they went to invite the veteran actor, Saira Banu vividly remembered the main points of the film’s story as if it were fresh in her mind. “She became especially impressed by the romance between the elderly couple.”

Why Did Dilip Kumar Decline Baghban?

In an interview, Achala Nagar, who co-wrote the dialogues and screenplay of Baghban, explained the principle explanation why Dilip Kumar turned down the film. An excellent deal of his co-stars, including Nargis and Meena Kumari, had passed away, and Rakhee had taken a break from the industry. This left Kumar feeling that there wasn’t an actress of his era suitable for the role opposite him.

“When BR Chopra approached Kumar for the role, he mentioned that neither Nargis nor Meena Kumari became alive, and even Rakhee had stopped working in films. He rejected the role because he believed that no contemporary actress became suitable to play the role opposite him.”