Anil Kapoor Discloses Eeshwar Role Was Initially Meant for Kamal Haasan, Credits Raj Kapoor's Influence
In a candid revelation at the 12th edition of Expresso by SCREEN, veteran actor Anil Kapoor shared that he was not the original choice for the lead role in the 1989 film Eeshwar. The part was first offered to acclaimed actor Kamal Haasan, with legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor orchestrating the initial plans for the Hindi remake of the Telugu cult classic Swathi Muthyam.
Raj Kapoor's Vision and Anil Kapoor's Pursuit
Anil Kapoor recounted that Raj Kapoor, who was producing the film, had envisioned Kamal Haasan as the lead. "Raj saab wanted to make this film with Kamal Haasan. He had come to my house and told me about it. He also said that I could also play such a role, but he was planning to make it with Kamal Haasan ji," Anil revealed during a conversation with Saurabh Dwivedi, Editor of Indian Express Hindi.
However, the project stalled unexpectedly. "I don't know what happened; it didn't work out, and I got to know that the film itself wasn't being made," he added. Undeterred, Anil Kapoor took the initiative to approach director K Vishwanath directly, ultimately securing the role that marked a significant departure from his established 'jhakaas' image in films like Ram Lakhan and Tezaan.
Industry Skepticism and Personal Inspiration
The decision to star in Eeshwar, an unconventional relationship drama, faced criticism from some of Anil's close associates. Notably, Shekhar Kapur, who directed him in Mr India, expressed concerns. "I remember Shekhar ji came to meet me and said, 'Why are you doing this kind of film? It's very much against your image.' But I said this was my opportunity to play such a character and work with K Vishwanath," Anil recalled.
He also cited Dustin Hoffman's Oscar-winning performance in Rain Man as a major inspiration. "I was in love with that film and Dustin Hoffman's performance. That was a great role, and I always wanted to play a similar character someday. He was par excellence; it was unreal. He won the Oscar for that film. So that was my inspiration," he explained, highlighting his desire to explore nuanced characters beyond his typical roles.
Event Details and Broader Context
The 12th edition of Expresso by SCREEN, presented by AU Small Finance Bank in association with The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, was streamed live on the Indian Express YouTube channel. This event provided a platform for Anil Kapoor to share these behind-the-scenes anecdotes, offering fans a glimpse into the film's complex casting history and his personal journey as an actor.
Anil Kapoor's revelation underscores the often-unseen dynamics of Bollywood casting, where roles can shift due to unforeseen circumstances and persistent pursuit. His story serves as a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities and challenging one's artistic boundaries in the entertainment industry.
