The Untold Story of Deewaar's Casting: How Amitabh Bachchan Became a Legend

The Casting Coup of Deewaar: How Amitabh Bachchan Became the Angry Young Man

Hold onto your hats, Bollywood buffs! We're diving deep into the electrifying story of Deewaar, the film that catapulted Amitabh Bachchan to superstardom. But did you know that the role almost went to someone else? Prepare to be shocked as we reveal the untold story of how Bachchan's casting redefined the landscape of Indian cinema forever!

The Shocking Truth Behind Deewaar's Casting

Rajiv Rai, the son of the legendary producer Gulshan Rai, recently spilled the tea on the casting decisions of the iconic film Deewaar. Rumors have swirled for decades that the legendary Rajesh Khanna was initially considered. But here's the twist: Rajiv cleared the air, stating that despite a close relationship between Rajesh Khanna, Yash Chopra and his father, the script wasn't even shown to Khanna. It was Salim-Javed, the brilliant screenwriters, who saw the Angry Young Man archetype in Bachchan long before the rest of Bollywood did.

Salim-Javed's Bold Choice

Believe it or not, Salim-Javed had to convince Gulshan Rai to take a chance on the relatively unknown Amitabh Bachchan, who was still searching for a proper breakthrough role, before the release of his iconic film Zanjeer. Their unwavering belief that Bachchan perfectly embodied the film's complex and rebellious protagonist was instrumental in the film's success and shaping Bollywood's trajectory.

A Casting Decision That Changed History

The film's success and Bachchan's consequent rise to fame underline the fact that casting can make or break a film. Salim Khan stated that casting Rajesh Khanna would have been a compromise, as they viewed Bachchan as the ideal choice. They knew he possessed a raw power and emotional depth necessary for the role. Their conviction created a cinematic magic that captured the zeitgeist of the era, forever etching Bachchan into Bollywood history.

Rajesh Khanna: The Superstar Who Almost Was

While Bachchan’s success was remarkable, it's important to acknowledge Rajesh Khanna's established superstardom. He commanded massive fan followings during that time. But reports suggest Yash Chopra experienced difficulties with Khanna's alleged unprofessionalism and demands. This makes Bachchan's casting seem even more fortuitous; it demonstrates that while stardom is crucial, the actor's professional conduct and collaboration with the filmmaking team is just as paramount. This further solidifies Bachchan's selection as a momentous triumph.

The Rise and Fall of a Star

The contrasting trajectories of Khanna and Bachchan are an intriguing case study of how the movie industry can dramatically reshape a career. As Bachchan ascended into iconic status with his portrayal of Vijay in Deewaar, Khanna’s career took a downturn. It highlights the unexpected dynamics within Bollywood and how even the biggest of stars are impacted by critical casting choices and their professional approach.