Bhubaneswar: It was year 1987. The showman of India after delivering biggest hits like Hero, Vidhataa, and Meri Jung had the lifetime wish to work with the Shahenshah of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan.
Subash Ghai launched the ambitious film project Devaa starring Amitabh Bachchan, Raaj Kumar, Meenakshi Sheshadri, , Shammi Kapoor and Ila Arun.
But in a drastic turn of events, Subash Ghai scraped his ambitious project and blamed the same for Amitabh Bachchan hurting his ego.
SUBHASH IN EGO ZONE
In an interview, the showman of India had alleged that he felt Amitabh Bachchan was not professional during shooting of the film.
Subash alleged that Big B reached the sets late, and then leave early saying he is unwell.
Though Ghai in the interview admitted that Big B was indeed feeling unwell, which he could see that on Amitabh’s face.
But Subhas Ghai said, “Amitabh would promise to make up for the missed time the next day but would back out from his promise.”
Ghai remembered how producer Habib Nadiadwala called and yelled at him for making Amitabh shoot while being sick.
This yelling hurts Ghai’s ego He did not like this and thought enough is enough.
Moreover, Ghai recalls how Amitabh's secretary Sheetal used to talk to Subhash Ghai on behalf of Amitabh Bachchan, which Ghai claimed he didn’t like that, because he wished to deal with Amitabh directly.
The last nail in coffin comes when Amitabh Bachchan after shooting for some days, cancelled his other dates.
At this, Subhash Ghai felt Amitabh was not concentrating properly on the film. He felt this film was a once in a lifetime film and needed proper attention.
Subash Ghai claimed that I thought Amitabh was not being fully honest to me.
Thinking it as enough is enough, Subhash flew down to Madras where Amitabh was shooting for Shahenshah and broke the news of shelving the film with him.
On the other hand, Amitabh felt that maybe Ghai was shelving the film due to the Bofors scandal. Big B also did not like Ghai's attitude and was not happy with his working style.
HOW ANIL KAPOOR CASHED ON IT?
As per reports, knowing the friction Subhash Ghai had with Amitabh Bachchan, Boney Kapoor, Anil Kapoor’s elder brother, kept putting his foot in the muddied waters.
Reports claimed that Boney kept advising Ghai that Devaa would be too expensive a film and would not recover its money.
On the other hand, he should start a film with Anil Kapoor as that would be financially a better film.
Subhas Ghai later made up his mind. He scrapped Devaa with Amitabh Bachchan, and announced launching of Ram Lakhan with Anil Kapoor.
The film 36 years ago was released on Jan 27, 1989, which also starred Raakhee, Jackie Shroff, Dimple Kapadia, Madhuri Dixit and Amrish Puri in lead roles.
The rest has been history. Ram Lakhan went on to become the 2nd highest grosser of the year after Maine Pyar Kiya. The film saw a total footfall of 3crores as against 4.75 to 5cr by Maine Pyar Kiya.
The back to back blockbusters (Tezaab and Ram Lakhan) by Anil Kapoor bestowed on him the superstar crown.
Interestingly, a film titled Deva is waiting for release on Jan 31, 2025. The film starring Shahid Kapoor is being fashioned as a movie paying tribute to Amitabh Bachchan, which many say it a tribute the the then story between Amitabh - Subhash and Deva!
