Sanjeev Kumar's Crucial Role in Casting Jaya Bachchan for 'Silsila' Revealed

According to a recent interview, the casting of Yash Chopra's 1981 classic film 'Silsila' was a complex affair. The film, which starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha, did not perform well at the box office initially but has since become a beloved classic.

Interestingly, it was veteran actor Sanjeev Kumar who played a crucial role in convincing Jaya Bachchan to take on the role. Yash Chopra had asked Sanjeev Kumar, who had a close friendship with Jaya, to persuade her to be a part of the film. Jaya, however, had one condition - she would remain on the set even if it was not her scene.

The film's casting was also controversial, as Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha were playing roles that mirrored their real-life relationships. Yash Chopra acknowledged the challenges, saying, "I was always on tenterhooks and scared because it was real life coming into reel life."

Initially, the film was slated to feature Smita Patil and Parveen Babi, but Parveen Babi had to be replaced due to health issues. Rekha then stepped in to play the role. The filmmaker's decision to cast Rekha alongside the Bachchan couple was a bold move that added to the film's intrigue.

Despite the initial box office struggles, 'Silsila' has since become a classic, celebrated for its plot, songs, visuals, and the powerful performances of its lead cast.