Did you know Dharmendra and Hema Malini were the first choices for the 1980 action-thriller Shaan? They rejected the film, paving the way for Amitabh Bachchan and Bindiya Goswami, Read further to know why despite its massive budget, the movie turned into a surprising flop before becoming a cult classic.
Long before Shaan became a cult classic, it was first offered to Bollywood’s golden pair — Dharmendra and Hema Malini. The film was one of the most ambitious projects of its time, but the two stars decided to turn it down.
Released in 1980, Shaan was directed by Ramesh Sippy, who had already created history with Sholay. This 3-hour revenge drama was among the most expensive films of that decade, full of grand sets, lavish action, and a big star cast.
Initially, Ramesh Sippy wanted Dharmendra to play Vijay and Hema Malini to play Renu. Their on-screen chemistry was adored by fans, and pairing them again seemed like a sure-shot success.
However, due to personal and professional disagreements with Ramesh Sippy, both Dharmendra and Hema walked away from the project. Their exit forced the director to rethink the casting completely.
After Dharmendra’s exit, Amitabh Bachchan was approached. Originally, Sippy wanted him for the role of Ravi, but later he was cast as Vijay, the lead character. This change shaped the film’s final version.
The role of Renu, once meant for Hema Malini, went to Bindiya Goswami, an actress known for her charm and resemblance to Hema. At the time, she was also in the news for her relationship with actor Vinod Mehra.
When Shaan hit theatres in 1980, it couldn’t match the magic of Sholay. Critics felt it tried too hard to be 'Sholay 2.0.' Despite its grandeur, audiences were underwhelmed by the story.
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