Entertainment: Not Amitabh Bachchan but this superstar was the first choice for the 1975 blockbuster Deewar!

PC: The Indian Express

Deewar released in 1975 is one of the blockbuster movies of Amitabh Bachchan. The actor won the hearts of the audience with his portrayal of Vijay in the film and won appreciation for his role. However, you would be surprised to know that he was not the first choice of the makers.

Yes, according to the reports, superstar Rajesh Khanna was not the first choice for Vijay's character in the film Deewar, but Amitabh Bachchan. The film's producer Gulshan Rai wanted Rajesh Khanna to play the lead role in the film, but this could not possible as Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar were reportedly not in favor of the decision.

Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar wrote the screenplay of the 1975 blockbuster Deewar together. When Yash Chopra read the script, he was so impressed that he halted the shooting of his film Gardish to direct Deewaar first as he was sure that the film was going to be a blockbuster.

Gulshan Rai's first choice for the role of Vijay was Rajesh Khanna, however, Salim and Javed reportedly had a dispute with the actor over some issue and did not allow the actor to take the lead role in the film. The film was then offered to Amitabh Bachchan, who shot for both Sholay and Deewaar simultaneously and still managed to excel in the film. The film had earned more than Rs 1 crore nationwide at that time. The film also starred Shashi Kapoor and Nirupa Rai and everything, from the screenplay to the performances of the actors, was well received by the audience.

Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan will be next seen in the film Ganpath: Part One which also stars Kriti Sanon and Tiger Shroff. The film is scheduled to release on 20 October.