Title: I Lost Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Zakhm’ for ‘Hera Pheri’: Gulshan Grover
The world of cinema is full of what-ifs and maybes, and sometimes, even the most talented actors have to make tough choices. Veteran actor Gulshan Grover, known for his iconic roles in many Bollywood films, recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his career where he had to make a difficult decision. In an exclusive interview, Grover revealed that he lost a role in Mahesh Bhatt’s National Award-winning film ‘Zakhm’ due to a clash in shoot schedules with Priyadarshan’s directorial ‘Hera Pheri’.
‘Zakhm’, released in 1998, is a powerful drama that explores the story of a family torn apart by communal violence. The film won several accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. On the other hand, ‘Hera Pheri’, released in 2000, is a comedy film that follows the misadventures of three friends. Both films were highly anticipated and had huge star casts, making it challenging for the actors to balance their schedules.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Grover shared his experience, saying, “He (Mahesh) tried to change the schedule…but couldn’t…I had to leave ‘Zakhm’ to shoot the climax scene of ‘Hera Pheri’ for ten days.” Grover played the role of Kabira, a key character in ‘Hera Pheri’, and his presence added to the film’s humor and charm.
It’s not uncommon for actors to face scheduling conflicts, especially when working on multiple projects simultaneously. However, Grover’s decision to leave ‘Zakhm’ and join the shoot of ‘Hera Pheri’ for its climax scene was a significant one. He revealed that the makers of ‘Hera Pheri’ needed him to shoot the climax scene during the day, but the weather conditions were not favorable. “They needed sun to be there for the climactic scene…I had to shoot it for ten days,” Grover said.
Grover’s decision to prioritize ‘Hera Pheri’ was likely influenced by the film’s commercial potential. ‘Hera Pheri’ was a comedy film with a talented cast, including Suniel Shetty, Akshay Kumar, and Paresh Rawal. The film’s success was largely due to its witty dialogue and comedic timing, which Grover’s presence added to.
In contrast, ‘Zakhm’ was a more serious film with a strong social message. Although the film received critical acclaim, it didn’t perform as well commercially as ‘Hera Pheri’. Grover’s decision to leave ‘Zakhm’ for ‘Hera Pheri’ might have been influenced by the potential box office success of the latter.
Grover’s decision to prioritize ‘Hera Pheri’ over ‘Zakhm’ highlights the challenges that actors face in the film industry. They often have to make tough choices between projects that may have different creative and commercial potential. Grover’s experience serves as a reminder that even the most talented actors have to navigate the complexities of the film industry to achieve success.
In conclusion, Gulshan Grover’s revelation about losing a role in Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Zakhm’ for ‘Hera Pheri’ is a fascinating look into the world of cinema. It’s a reminder that even the most talented actors face challenges and have to make difficult decisions to achieve success. As Grover’s career continues to flourish, this experience serves as a testament to his dedication and commitment to his craft.
