Ever wondered about the ups and downs in Bollywood’s golden era? Veteran actor Jeetendra once shared a shocking story from his early days, revealing how he lost a big role in the film Abhinetri to Shashi Kapoor. This throwback incident highlights the unpredictable world of Indian cinema back then.
It all came out during a fun episode of the popular talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, hosted by the late Farooq Shaikh. The special guest was none other than Hema Malini, the iconic ‘Dream Girl’ of Bollywood. Jeetendra joined via video message, adding warmth to the celebration of Hema’s life, her love for dance, and her disciplined routine. Friends and family shared touching stories, making it a heartfelt tribute.
Jeetendra, now 83, opened up about how director Subodh Mukherjee first picked him to star opposite Hema Malini in Abhinetri. Excited about the chance, Jeetendra even shuffled his busy schedule to make it work. But after waiting four or five days with no word from the team, he got the worst news—not from them, but from a newspaper headline! It announced that Shashi Kapoor had bagged the role alongside Hema Malini.
"I was stunned," Jeetendra recalled. "I’d adjusted my clashing dates and handed them over so the shoot could start. But days passed without a call. Then, boom—there it was on the front page: Shashi Kapoor and Hema Malini signed for Abhinetri. No heads-up, nothing. I felt so let down after all my enthusiasm." Luckily, the setback led to something better. Film producer Prasad Tanmay gave him the lead in Jeene Ki Raah, which became his first on-screen pairing with Hema Malini.
Despite that early disappointment, Jeetendra and Hema Malini went on to become a hit jodi in Bollywood. They’ve shared the screen in over 20 films, creating magic in blockbusters like The Burning Train, Dulhan, Jai Kaali, Waris, Meri Aawaz Suno, Qaidi, Apne Apne, Jyoti, and Hum Tere Ashiq Hain. Their chemistry lit up the silver screen and won hearts across India.
Stories like this remind us how Bollywood’s journey is full of surprises, but true stars like Jeetendra always bounced back stronger.
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