Anwar Ali, producer of the 1982 hit film ‘Khud-Daar’, recounts the extraordinary challenges faced during its production and release, including Amitabh Bachchan’s hospitalization and Parveen Babi’s therapy, yet the film emerged a blockbuster.
A Dream Built on Two Rupees
For Anwar Ali, making ‘Khud-Daar’ was a leap of faith. Having just bought a sea-facing apartment, he was left with merely two rupees, yet he was determined to produce a film independently of his family’s famous production house.
His biggest asset was his deep friendship with superstar Amitabh Bachchan. This connection led him to Farouq Rattonsey, a diamond magnate who, despite his family’s initial objections, became Ali’s partner. Together, they founded Yokohama Productions, marking a brave new chapter in Ali’s filmmaking journey.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Unwavering Support
Amitabh Bachchan’s commitment to ‘Khud-Daar’ was immediate and unconditional. Having lived and worked together for years, their bond was built on profound trust and mutual respect.
The story, about three brothers with a “Khud-Daar” (self-respecting) hero, was humorously narrated by the witty Kader Khan, securing Bachchan’s quick approval. Bachchan was known for his punctuality; he often arrived early to set and even watered plants while waiting for the crew, setting a positive tone for the entire unit.
Navigating Publicity Hurdles
The film faced significant external challenges upon its release. At the time, Amitabh Bachchan had a strained relationship with the press, leading to an unprecedented silence around his films.
This meant ‘Khud-Daar’ had to succeed without the usual publicity push. Producers had to carefully manage this situation, a stark contrast to the promotional strategies Anwar Ali was accustomed to from his time at Mehmood Productions.
Parveen Babi’s Brave Return
Another major hurdle involved the film’s leading lady, Parveen Babi. She had to undergo therapy in the United States for six long months, leading many producers to terminate her contracts.
However, Anwar Ali chose to wait for her. When he met her, he didn’t ask for his signing amount back but inquired about her recovery time. This gesture of patience and respect paid off, as Yokohama Productions was the first to receive Parveen Babi’s dates upon her return, a clear sign of her gratitude.
Released Amidst a National Crisis
The biggest challenge came just as the film was ready for release. Amitabh Bachchan suffered a life-threatening accident on the sets of ‘Coolie’, sending the entire nation into fervent prayers and queues outside hospitals for blood donations.
‘Khud-Daar’ was released while Bachchan was still hospitalized. After five long years from its conceptualization, the film finally saw the light of day. When Anwar Ali visited Bachchan in the hospital, the superstar’s first question was, “Bidoo, how’s the film doing?” Ali proudly declared it a “superhit.”
- ‘Khud-Daar’ was a commercial success despite Amitabh Bachchan’s media silence.
- Producer Anwar Ali patiently waited six months for Parveen Babi to return from therapy.
- The film’s release coincided with Amitabh Bachchan’s hospitalization following the ‘Coolie’ accident.
‘Khud-Daar’ stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and conviction, proving that courage and unwavering belief can overcome even the most formidable obstacles in the world of filmmaking.