Amitabh Bachchan's Iconic Khuda Gawah Role Revisited 33 Years Later

In 2025, it has been 33 years since the release of the iconic Bollywood film Khuda Gawah, and its producer, Manoj Desai, has shared some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about the production.

Desai revealed that the film was shot during the height of the Soviet-Afghan war, and the crew faced significant security risks. The families of the cast, including the mothers of Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi, were deeply concerned for their safety. Sridevi's mother reportedly warned Desai, "Manoj ji, if anything happens to her, don't come back, otherwise I will kill you." Amitabh Bachchan's mother, Teji Bachchan, also expressed her fears, saying, "If something happened to Munna (Amitabh) and Jaya wore a white saree, you would also commit suicide, and your wife would wear a white saree."

Fortunately, the production went smoothly, and the entire crew returned safely. The film, directed by Mukul Anand and featuring music by Laxmikant Pyarelal, was a resounding success, earning over ₹18 crore in India and running for 10 weeks in packed theaters in Kabul. In 2013, Amitabh Bachchan himself recounted the memorable experience of shooting in Afghanistan, describing the warm hospitality of the locals and the breathtaking scenery.

Khuda Gawah has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Bollywood history, and the producer's recollections have shed new light on the challenges and triumphs that went into creating this iconic film.