Not Anil Kapoor, this superstar was first choice for Mr. India, rejected it due to..., he is...

India.com

8 hours ago

Sometimes, iconic roles in cinema almost end up in someone else's hands and the story behind one such Bollywood classic is just as fascinating as the film itself. It's hard to imagine anyone other than Anil Kapoor playing the beloved character of Mr. India, but surprisingly, he wasn't the first choice for the role. The film, which went on to become a cult classic, could have looked very different if the original plan had worked out. Who is this superstar?
Before Anil Kapoor was cast as the invisible hero, the makers of Mr. India had approached none other than Amitabh Bachchan for the lead role. At the time, Bachchan was already a megastar with a towering presence in the industry. The script was offered to him, but due to scheduling issue or simply a creative decision, the role slipped from his hands and it landed with Anil Kapoor, changing the course of his career. It was also said that during that time, Big B was trying to involved in political campaigns and that's why he was refusing projects at that time. What was the storyline?
Released in 1987 and directed by Shekhar Kapur, Mr. India became one of the most loved science fiction films in Indian cinema. The film tells the story of a kind-hearted man who discovers a gadget that makes him invisible. He uses this power to fight evil and protect orphans, becoming a symbol of hope and justice. What made the film stand out wasn't just the fantasy element but also its emotional depth, memorable characters, and powerful performances.
Anil Kapoor's portrayal of Arun, the invisible hero, won hearts across the country. His chemistry with Late Sridevi, who played the bold and spirited journalist Seema, was another highlight. Sridevi's performance, especially in the iconic 'Hawa Hawai' song, remains unforgettable. And of course, no mention of Mr. India is complete without the villain, Mogambo, played brilliantly by Late Amrish Puri. His line 'Mogambo khush hua' became one of the most famous dialogues in Bollywood history. More about Mr India
Mr. India was major box office success and is now considered a cult classic in Indian cinema. Made on a modest budget of Rs 3 crore for its time, the film went on to become the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 1987, earning approximately Rs 10 crore at the Indian box office, a huge number in that era, which has IMDb rating of 7.8.