If You Call Yourself a Bollywood Fan, You Should Know These Facts!

Bollywood, the land of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable performances, has given us countless hit films, iconic stars, and engaging stories. But beyond the screen, there are many surprising and little-known facts about Bollywood that even the biggest fans might not be aware of. Here are some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that will leave you stunned.

Shah Rukh Khan Wasn’t the First Choice for Raj in DDLJ

In the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of Raj Malhotra became one of the most beloved characters in Bollywood history. However, it’s surprising to know that Shah Rukh wasn't the first choice for the role. In fact, Saif Ali Khan was initially considered for the role. Additionally, Hollywood star Tom Cruise was also approached for the part!

The Shooting of Rockstar Was Done Backwards

You may remember the superhit film Rockstar, directed by Imtiaz Ali and starring Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir's performance proved why he was so much more than a typical Bollywood star. But did you know the film was shot in reverse order? Normally, films are shot chronologically, but Rockstar began with the climax. The reason behind this was Ranbir's hair. The climax required Ranbir to have long hair, while earlier scenes featured his shorter hair. So, the team first shot the scenes with long hair and then cut Ranbir's hair to shoot the rest of the film.

Mughal-E-Azam Was Shot in Three Languages

We all know that Mughal-E-Azam took 18 years to complete, but here's something you might not know. Every scene of this classic film was shot in three languages – Hindi, Tamil, and English. While the film was a massive success in Hindi, it flopped in Tamil and had limited success in English. Still, its place in Bollywood history is unparalleled.

Kareena Kapoor Wore 130 Dresses in One Film

In the 2012 film Heroine, Kareena Kapoor Khan not only delivered an impressive performance but also made fashion history. She wore over 130 designer outfits throughout the film, all created by the world's top designers. This unique fashion statement added another layer to her role as a Bollywood diva.

Sridevi Was a Mother at 13

Sridevi, one of the biggest stars of the 1980s, became a mother on screen at the tender age of 13. In the Tamil film Munduru Mudichu, she played the role of the stepmother to none other than Rajinikanth, who was the superstar in the film. This was an early milestone in Sridevi’s legendary career.

Bollywood’s Longest Song

Did you know that Bollywood’s longest song lasts 20 minutes? The song ‘Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyon’ from the 2004 film Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyon holds the record for the longest Bollywood song. It was shot in three different sequences in the film, and if you decide to listen to the full audio, you’ll need to set aside 20 minutes!

20 Heroines Started Their Careers with Rishi Kapoor

Rishi Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most popular actors, was the launchpad for around 20 actresses in his career. From his chocolate boy image to his impeccable acting skills, Rishi Kapoor was a household name. He came from a family with significant contributions to Bollywood, being the son of the legendary Raj Kapoor. In 2008, he was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

Waheeda Rehman Played Both Amitabh Bachchan’s Mother and Girlfriend

Waheeda Rehman is the only Bollywood actress who has played both the girlfriend and mother of Amitabh Bachchan. In films like Dharmendra and Adalat, she portrayed Big B’s girlfriend, while in Kuli and Trishul, she played his mother. Truly, Waheeda has an extraordinary place in Indian cinema.

Dilip Kumar Rejected a Hollywood Film

Dilip Kumar was offered a role in the iconic Hollywood film Lawrence of Arabia directed by David Lean. Lean specifically wanted an actor from India for the role of Prince Sherif Ali, and Dilip Kumar was approached due to his growing fame. However, Dilip Kumar turned down the offer, as he had no interest in pursuing a career in Hollywood. This decision is still talked about in Bollywood circles.

Danny Was the First Choice for Gabbar in Sholay

Everyone knows the legendary villain Gabbar Singh from Sholay, played by Amjad Khan. But did you know that Amjad Khan wasn’t the first choice for the role? Writer Javed Akhtar initially wanted Danny Denzongpa for the character because he felt Amjad Khan's voice didn’t suit the intimidating role. However, Danny turned down the offer, and Amjad Khan went on to create one of the most iconic characters in Bollywood history.

Nayanthara Was Not the First Choice for Jawan

Not many people know that the role of the police officer in Jawan was initially offered to the popular South actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. However, at that time, Samantha was busy with family planning and chose to decline the role. After she turned it down, the makers offered the role to Nayanthara, who accepted it. Her action-packed performance in the film was widely appreciated by audiences.

by Priyanka Yadav

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