The 2016 blockbuster ‘Dangal,’ directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is remembered as one of the most iconic films in Bollywood, especially for its portrayal of the inspiring story of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters. Aamir Khan’s performance as Mahavir Singh Phogat, a determined father who trains his daughters to become world-class wrestlers, became a career-defining role. However, not many know that the makers of ‘Dangal’ had backup plans in place in case Aamir Khan turned down the offer.
The Backup Plan: Two Veteran Actors
Aamir Khan was the first choice for the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat, but the creative minds at UTV Motion Pictures, including creative producer Divya Rao, were prepared for the possibility that Aamir might decline the role. According to Divya Rao, if Aamir had refused, the makers had their eyes on two other seasoned actors—Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal. Both are stalwarts of Indian cinema, and their experience and acting prowess made them the perfect alternatives to bring Mahavir Singh Phogat’s character to life.
Interestingly, Mohanlal’s background as a wrestler—he was the Kerala State Wrestling Champion in 1977-78—added a layer of authenticity that could have made his portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat even more compelling. Kamal Haasan, known for his versatility and dedication to his roles, was another strong contender who could have done justice to the character.
How ‘Dangal’ Came to Be
The idea of making ‘Dangal’ began with an article that Divya Rao read about Mahavir Singh Phogat. The story of a father converting a cowshed into a wrestling arena to train his daughters caught her attention. She believed that this real-life tale of determination and courage would make for a compelling film. The idea was quickly greenlit by the production house, and the title ‘Dangal’ was approved.
Once the script was ready, the makers approached Aamir Khan. Impressed by the storyline and the challenge of playing a character with such depth, Aamir agreed to take on the role. This decision set the course for what would become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
The Success of ‘Dangal’
‘Dangal’ was released on December 23, 2016, and became an instant hit. The film was made on a budget of ₹70 crores, and it went on to earn over ₹2000 crores worldwide, making it a global success. Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat, along with the performances of Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Zaira Wasim, Sanya Malhotra, and Aparshakti Khurana, won the hearts of audiences everywhere.
The film’s success was not just measured in box office numbers but also in its impact. It brought the stories of female athletes to the forefront and highlighted the importance of determination and hard work in achieving one’s dreams.
Aamir Khan: The Perfect Fit
Though the makers had backup plans, Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat was so powerful and resonant that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. His dedication, which included gaining and losing significant weight to accurately depict different phases of Mahavir Singh Phogat’s life, added layers to the character that few actors could have achieved.
While Kamal Haasan or Mohanlal would have undoubtedly brought their unique strengths to the role, Aamir Khan’s performance in ‘Dangal’ remains a testament to his commitment to his craft and his ability to bring complex characters to life on the big screen.
