Released in 1974, ‘Deewaar’ has stood the test of time. The film not only highlighted the writing prowess of Salim-Javed but gave Bollywood its ‘angry young man’ – the Amitabh Bachchan! Actors across generations dream of getting a project as classic as ‘Deewaar’. However, there is one name in Bollywood who had the golden chance of being a part of the OG ‘Deewaar,’ but she rejected it. Not just this, in an exclusive interview with ETimes, the actress confessed having no regrets about her decision as she had her eye on something else.
We are talking bout the iconic actress of the yesteryears – Vjyanthimla, who was offered the role of Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor’s mother. It was the central character, and from the writer dou Salim-Javed to the director Yash Chopra, everyone was keen on casting Vyjayanthimala.
However, the actress who was enjoying immense stardom at the time and was offered multiple roles, rejected the movie. “Everyone knows I was offered ‘Deewaar.’ I was also offered ‘Kranti’ by Manoj Kumarji. Then much later Kamal Haasan wanted me to play his mother in ‘Vishwaroopam.’ He wanted an expert danseuse. I suggested Waheedaji’s name,’ shared Vjyanthimala while confessing that she doesn’t regret rejecting the role in ‘Deewaar.’
Further, elaborating on why she passed on not just one but many iconic roles in those days, the actress explained, “Once I made up my mind to quit and get married there was no turning back. My last film was ‘Ganwaar’ in 1970. It is good to quit while one is still ahead, don’t you think?”
Having said that, the actress did see ‘Deewaar’ and admitted that the role offered to her was a key part of the movie. She even appreciated Nirupa Roy, for playing the said role with finesse.
“The mother’s role is indeed pivotal. She drives the plot forward. And Nirupaji did a fantastic job. So no regrets. My regret is I was never directed by Yash Chopra. I worked with his brother the great Shri B R Chopra in two of my best films ‘Naya Daur’ and ‘Sadhana.’ Yashji was a very talented director,” concluded the actress.
