'Rajesh Khanna didn't charge any fee for Anand but he earned 10 times more money through distribution,' reveals film historian Dilip Thakur

Renowned late actor Ramesh Deo once shared an intriguing anecdote regarding the casting process and behind-the-scenes dynamics of the timeless Bollywood classic Anand, shedding light on how Rajesh Khanna came to star in the iconic role that defined his career and how the superstar's no-fee decision proves lucrative.

Revealing the intimate details shared by Ramesh Deo, film historian Dilip Thakur told ETimes, "Ramesh Deo once told me that Hrishikesh Mukherjee got the story idea of Anand from the incident when Raj Kapoor had fallen sick. Kishore Kumar was in contention to play the lead role. Hrishi Da had also narrated the story to Dharmendra on a flight from Madras to Mumbai. But later, Hrishi Da started shooting the film with Rajesh Khanna. Dharmendra, in one of his video interviews revealed that he called Hrishi Da drunk and asked him why did he take Rajesh Khanna after narrating the story to him first."

Sharing how Rajesh Khanna came on board for Anand, Thakur told us, "Rajesh Khanna got to know that Hrishi Da had a great story. Hrishi Da insisted that Khanna give him his dates in bulk because the superstar was very busy those days. Anand’s shooting was completed in 28 days. Ramesh Deo told me that Khanna would come for Anand’s shooting for two hours every day no matter where he was shooting for his other films. One day, Khanna didn’t show up so Hrishi Da got angry. When Khanna came the next day, Hrishi Da ignored him and focused on playing carrom. Otherwise, the film was completed in a happy-go-lucky manner."



Khanna's influence extended beyond his performance on-screen. "Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye was supposed to be a song for credits but Khanna demanded it to be shot on him. Khanna didn’t charge any remuneration for Anand. Instead, he got the distribution rights to the film under his firm Shaktiraj Films which was in partnership with filmmaker Shakti Samanta. Khanna earned ten times more than his remuneration through distribution," Thakur revealed.



Anand remains a cinematic masterpiece, with Khanna's portrayal earning widespread acclaim. However, Amitabh Bachchan's contribution to the film should not be overlooked, as he skillfully held his own opposite Khanna's superstardom.

The film's enduring legacy is evident in its timeless music and poignant dialogues, which have left a lasting impression on Hindi cinema. Subsequent films have attempted to replicate its themes, with protagonists facing cancer like Jaya Bhaduri in Mili, Shah Rukh Khan in Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kamal Haasan’s Yaadgar to name a few, but Anand stands as a milestone in the Indian cinema.

Khanna's character Anand continues to remain one of the most memorable characters of Indian cinema - not to mention, his relationship with his 'Babumoshai' (played by Big B) will forever be the best Hindi film bromance!