Sujata Mehta recalls on losing role in Rajesh Khanna’s ‘Jai Shiv Shankar’
Sujata Mehta recalls on losing role in Rajesh Khanna’s ‘Jai Shiv Shankar’
Sujata Mehta is acknowledged for her performances in movies like ‘Yateem’, ‘Gunaah’, and more. The actress for a while had kept a low profile, but recently she shared details some of the old films in which she was replaced.
In a chat with the media,Sujata opened up on her experience of being replaced in films, both for stated and unstated reasons. One particular instance she cited was for unceremonious removal from the
S.A. Chandrasekhar’s directorial ‘Jai Shiv Shankar’, featuring the Super star Rajesh Khanna. The movie also featured Dimple Kapadia, Jeetendra,
Vinod Khanna, Jackie Shroff, and Mithun Poonam Dhillon, Chunky Panday, and Sangeeta Bijlani.
Notwithstanding the star-studded assemble, the film never got . completed. Sujata went on to reveal that she was originally cast in Dimple Kapadia’s role, though it was unclear if it was a formal agreement or just verbal. She later discovered that Dimple had replaced her, and the decision was influenced by Rajesh Khanna and Dimple’s daughters, who hoped the film would bring their estranged parents together. Sujata was told that the daughters of the now-estranged couple wanted to reunite their parents.
The actress further expressed her disappointment over the missed opportunity to share screen space with Rajesh Khanna, whom she had long admired. Amidst a flight encounter with Khanna, Sujata inquired about her replacement in ‘Jai Shiv Shankar’. The superstar gave a vague response of “Hmmm…” which left her with little clarity. She had been his fan since school and even mimicked his style. Sujata noted that by the late 80s and 90s, Khanna appeared to be a changed man, displaying signs of deep personal struggles regardless his past success. She reflected on the extremes of his life, marked by both monumental achievements and profound despair.
In any case, ‘Jai Shiv Shankar’ was intended to be supported solely by Rajesh Khanna.
However, due to production delays, the film underwent a significant cast change, ultimately leading Khanna to take on the lead role himself.
News Edit KV Raman
