‘Aaj Kush Toh Bahot Honge Tum’, ‘Mere Paas Paisa Hai, Bangla Hai, Gaadi Hai, Naukar Hai, Bank Balance Hai, aur Tumhare Paas Kya Hai?’, ‘Mere Paas Maa Hai…’; these iconic dialogues are from the film Deewaar which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor in the lead roles along with Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy, and Parveen Babi in pivotal roles. The movie was written by Salim-Javed, and directed by Yash Chopra.
Today, Deewaar completes 50 years of its release, and Javed Akhtar posted on X, “Deewaar was released on 21st January 1975 . Theek pachaas saal pehle . How time passes so quietly and so quickly. It is happening all the time but remains a wonder !!”
Well, as we are celebrating 50 years of Deewaar today, let’s have a look at the lesser known facts about the film…
Amitabh Bachchan-Shashi Kapoor were not the first choice
Yash Chopra wanted to cast Rajesh Khanna as Vijay Verma (Amitabh Bachchan’s role) in the movie and Navin Nischol as Ravi Verma. But, Rajesh Khanna decided not to do the film, and Navin Nischol also rejected it after knowing that Khanna is not doing the movie. The same thing happened with Vyjayanthimala who was supposed to play the role of the mother. She also opted out after she came to know that Khanna won’t be a part of the film. Later, Big B, Shashi Kapoor, and Nirupa Roy were roped in for Deewaar.
How many retakes Amitabh Bachchan did for the iconic temple scene?
In the history of Indian cinema, there’s no scene written like this where the lead actor is challenging a god. We wonder what would have been the outburst on social media if a scene like this is written now. Well, it is said that Amitabh Bachchan requested that only director Yash Chopra is there on the set during the shooting of that scene, and reportedly, he took 15 takes to get the iconic scene correct.
Double shift for Amitabh Bachchan
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After Zanjeer, Amitabh Bachchan was one of the most in-demand actor in the 70s. So, the actor was shooting two films silmultaneously, Deewaar and Sholay. Both the movies became a hit and have received a cult status.
English dubbed version
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Yes, we don’t have English dubbed versions of many Hindi films now, but back in the 70s, Deewaar was dubbed in English and it was titled I’ll Die For Mama.
Remakes
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Nowadays, of course, we talk about many remakes being made Bollywood. But, do you know Deewaar was remade in multiple South languages and even internationally. Deewaar was remade in Telugu as Magaadu (1976). In Tamil remake, Thee (1981) Rajinikanth stepped into the role of Big B, and in Malayalam the movie was remade as Nathi Muthal Nathi Vare (1983). There were even remakes in Persia, Turkey, and Hongkong.
