Legendary star Raj Kapoor was known for his acting, as well as, directing some of the biggest films that set the career path for many stars. From Nargis to Rishi Kapoor, Raj Kapoor films proved to be stepping stones for many. But THIS actress once rejected a role in a Raj Kapoor film that turned out to be a blockbuster hit.
The actress is Padmini Kolhapure and the movie is Ram Teri Ganga Maili. The movie that realised in the year 1985 was a major hit at the box office. It also remained in the news for its bold scenes. Padmini Kolhapure was the initial choice for the leading lady opposite Rajiv Kapoor.
As Padmini Kolhapure rejected the role, Mandakini has brought on board. She was new to Hindi films and Ram Teri Ganga Maili made her an overnight star.
Later, in a chat with Etimes, Padmini Kolhapure revealed the actual reason why she rejected Raj Kapoor’s movie. She said ‘ You can’t grab every film that comes your way, If a film does well to the magnitude that Ram Teri Ganga Maili did, you do feel that you should have been a part of it. Ram Teri Ganga Maili did astoundingly well, Mandakini did a good job, the songs were beautiful. But then, Rajji knew my inhibitions. He exactly knew why I wasn’t doing it.’
Further Padmini Kolhapure was asked if she had a problem with the breastfeeding scene. To this, the actress revealed that the scene wasn’t a part of the script initially when she was in discussion with Raj Kapoor.
Padmini Kolhapure explained that she had a problem with the kissing scene. She said ‘It was just that I was not comfortable about kissing on screen. But yet, Raj Ji asked me to reconsider it even after he’d completed a 45-day schedule with Mandakini and others.’
Ram Teri Ganga Maili was the highest-grossing movie of 1985. As per reports, it earned Rs 9.5 crore at the box office. It was the only major box office hit by Rajiv Kapoor.
Ran Teri Ganga Maili was also certified as Diamond Jubilee in Mumbai and silver jubilee in other states. Till today, it is considered to be one of the iconic films produced by Bollywood.
