Subhash Ghai recently opened up about the making of Saudagar and the challenge of bringing two legendary actors, Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar, together on screen. Speaking on Baatein Dil Se with Navika Kumar, Ghai recalled receiving calls from nearly 300–400 people warning him against casting the two stars because of their reported 35-year rivalry. However, the filmmaker decided to take the risk and approached both actors with the script. Their initial reactions left Ghai stunned, but the collaboration eventually turned into an unexpected friendship. Ghai revealed that Saudagar, originally planned as a 12-month project, was completed in just nine months without any tantrums.
Subhash Ghai on uniting Raaj Kumar and Dilip Kumar for Saudagar
On Baatein Dil Se with Times Group Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar, Subhash Ghai recalled that he was repeatedly warned against bringing Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar together for Saudagar. Despite the concerns surrounding their reported rivalry, the filmmaker decided to approach both actors individually with the story.
“At least 300–400 people called me and told me, ‘Don’t make this picture because their rivalry has been going on for 35 years between Dilip Sahab and Raaj Kumar Sahab,” he said. Ghai first narrated the story to Dilip Kumar, who liked it. However, things took an unexpected turn when the actor asked about his co-star.
“Then, while leaving, Dilip Sahab asked me, ‘Who is the other friend?’ I said, ‘Raaj Kumar.’ He switched off the car and left.” Ghai then went to Raaj Kumar with the same proposition. The actor, too, immediately wanted to know who would be playing the other friend. “He asked, ‘Who is the other friend?’ I said, ‘Dilip Sahab.’ He said, ‘Jani, if there is one actor we consider after ourselves, that name is Dilip Kumar,'” Ghai shared.
Raaj Kumar also acknowledged why Dilip Kumar was the right choice for the role. “To justify this, Dilip Sahab can do this story,” he said.
Despite the apprehension surrounding their pairing, Ghai said the two actors worked together without creating any problems on set. In fact, their equation reportedly changed during the making of the film. “You will believe that the film, which was supposed to be completed in 12 months, was completed in nine months,” the director shared. When asked about tantrums from the two veteran stars, Ghai had a simple response. “And there were no tantrums.” Ghai said the experience ultimately brought the two actors closer, with their relationship transforming from one surrounded by talk of rivalry to one of camaraderie. “They became friends. We treated them like kids. We named them Chunnu and Munnu.”
is a brand new podcast from Times Network, one of India’s leading broadcast networks. It is hosted by Navika Kumar, Editor-in-Chief of the Times Group. After decades of hard-hitting debates and prime-time interviews on national television, Navika has now stepped into a more personal and reflective space with this podcast, having already interviewed esteemed guests like Satinder Sartaaj, Anupam Kher, Kriti Sanon, Bobby Deol, and more.
Watch the latest episode featuring Subhash Ghai on the official Times Now YouTube channel on August 28 at 7 PM.