Deepak Tijori recently revealed that the iconic film “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” was nearly 75% shot with Milind Soman in a key role before production was halted and he stepped in.
An Iconic Film’s Rocky Start
The cult classic “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar,” starring Aamir Khan, is beloved by many. However, few know the dramatic behind-the-scenes story of its initial production struggles.
Deepak Tijori, who eventually played the antagonist Shekhar Malhotra, recently shared that he wasn’t the first choice for the role. He had initially auditioned but was rejected, with the part going to Milind Soman.
Production Halted: A Major Setback
According to Tijori, a significant portion of the film – an astonishing 75% – had already been shot with Milind Soman. However, the makers eventually realized that Soman wasn’t the right fit for the character, leading to a massive setback.
Director Mansoor Khan, Aamir Khan’s cousin, reportedly fell into depression, fearing he had squandered his father’s money. The film was temporarily shelved due to this critical casting misstep.
Mahesh Bhatt’s Timely Intervention
While “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” faced turmoil, Deepak Tijori’s career was on the rise with successful films like “Aashiqui” and “Sadak.” It was filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt who played a pivotal role in getting Tijori back into consideration for the shelved project.
Bhatt strongly encouraged Tijori to meet Mansoor Khan, despite Tijori’s initial reluctance. His persistence eventually led to a crucial meeting with legendary producer-director Nasir Hussain, Aamir Khan’s paternal uncle.
The Restart and Legacy
It was Nasir Hussain’s insistence that finally convinced Deepak Tijori to take on the role of Shekhar Malhotra. Tijori confirmed that Milind Soman had been informed of the decision before he officially joined the project.
With Deepak Tijori on board, “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” was restarted from scratch. This significant change in casting allowed the film to eventually be completed and go on to become the timeless classic it is known as today.
- “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” was 75% shot with Milind Soman before production stopped.
- Deepak Tijori was initially rejected for the role of Shekhar Malhotra.
- Director Mansoor Khan was reportedly depressed after realizing the casting error.
- Mahesh Bhatt and Nasir Hussain were instrumental in getting Deepak Tijori to join the film.
The story of “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and how crucial casting decisions can reshape cinematic history.
