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  • Dharmendra and Hema Malini turned down this most EXPENSIVE film, the role was given to…, film’s BO performance was…, movie is…, lead actors are…

Dharmendra and Hema Malini turned down this most EXPENSIVE film, the role was given to…, film’s BO performance was…, movie is…, lead actors are…

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.

By: Vaishnavi Tripathi  |  Published: November 10 2025, 07:48 PM IST

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The Film Dharmendra and Hema Malini Rejected
1/7

The Film Dharmendra and Hema Malini Rejected

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.

Bollywood’s Costliest Project of the Time
2/7

Bollywood’s Costliest Project of the Time

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.

Dharmendra and Hema Were the First Choices
3/7

Dharmendra and Hema Were the First Choices

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.

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Why They Rejected the Film
4/7

Why They Rejected the Film

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.

Enter Amitabh Bachchan
5/7

Enter Amitabh Bachchan

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.

Hema’s Role Went to Bindiya Goswami
6/7

Hema’s Role Went to Bindiya Goswami

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.

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Box Office Struggles
7/7

Box Office Struggles

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.

Tags 1980s Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan Bindiya Goswami Bollywood Bollywood classics bollywood flops Bollywood history Bollywood Trivia cult classics Dharmendra Dharmendra and Hema Malini Hema Malini Old Hindi Movies Ramesh Sippy Shaan Shaan movie Shashi Kapoor Sholay Vintage Bollywood
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