Bollywood’s iconic actress Hema Malini, who turns 76 today, ruled the film industry in the 70s and 80s with her beauty, talent, and charm. Famous as the ‘Dream Girl’, she wasn’t just admired by fans—many in the film industry also secretly cherished feelings for her. However, her relationships and decisions behind the scenes shaped the course of several projects, including a key casting switch that changed the fate of the 1974 film Dost.
A Love Triangle Behind the Curtains
While Hema Malini’s romantic relationship with Dharmendra is well known, not many know about the silent admirer she had in Sanjeev Kumar. The actor, who famously played Thakur in Sholay, had confessed his love to Hema Malini. However, she turned down his proposal.
When the makers of the film Dost cast Sanjeev Kumar opposite Dharmendra, Hema reportedly expressed discomfort about the arrangement. Since she was romantically involved with Dharmendra, she preferred not to work in close proximity with Sanjeev Kumar, who was also part of the cast. At her request, the producers decided to replace Sanjeev Kumar, setting off a chain of events that would change Bollywood history.
Shatrughan Sinha’s Big Break
With Sanjeev Kumar out, the producers offered the role to Shatrughan Sinha. Though Sinha was not the first choice, the role in Dost became a turning point in his career. The film, made on a budget of Rs 1 crore, became a box-office hit, grossing Rs 5 crore and establishing Sinha as a rising star in the industry.
A Blockbuster Success with Lasting Impact
Dost became a massive hit, with the audience loving the chemistry between Dharmendra and Shatrughan Sinha. The film’s success gave Sinha a new lease of life in Bollywood, and his popularity skyrocketed after the release. On the other hand, Sanjeev Kumar’s exclusion from the project highlighted how personal relationships often influenced professional decisions in Bollywood at that time.
Hema Malini’s ability to call the shots on set demonstrated the influence she held as a leading star during her prime years. This incident not only changed the course of a film but also shaped careers and personal dynamics in the industry for years to come.
Even decades later, this story remains an example of how Bollywood’s personal and professional worlds often collide, resulting in unexpected turns in both relationships and careers.
