Amitabh Bachchan Stopped Talking To Gulzar Over Rajesh Khanna’s Role in Namak Haraam
In a lesser-known chapter of Bollywood history, Amitabh Bachchan once cut ties with iconic filmmaker Gulzar over a perceived betrayal during the making of Namak Haraam (1973). The rift stemmed from Bachchan’s dissatisfaction with the way his role was treated in the film, which co-starred Rajesh Khanna, the reigning superstar at the time.
In an old interview, Gulzar revealed that Bachchan felt marginalized during the production process and accused the director of favoring Khanna in both screen time and narrative importance. The result? A cold silence between two cinematic legends that lasted for years.
What Led to the Rift
Namak Haraam, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and penned by Gulzar, was a social drama exploring friendship, loyalty, and class struggle. Although both Bachchan and Khanna delivered stellar performances, the film ultimately revolved more around Khanna’s character.
Gulzar admitted:
“Amitabh felt betrayed. He believed I had let him down by allowing his role to be overshadowed.”
This led to a long period where Bachchan stopped speaking to Gulzar, despite their shared admiration for each other's craft.
A Glimpse Into Bollywood’s Power Dynamics
At the time, Rajesh Khanna was already a megastar, while Bachchan was still carving out his space in the industry. The fallout highlights how ego clashes, creative differences, and screen space politics often shape relationships behind the scenes in Bollywood.
Though the two eventually moved on in their careers, this incident remains a compelling reminder of the fragile egos and emotional investments behind the glamour of cinema.
✅ FAQs
Q1: Why did Amitabh Bachchan stop talking to Gulzar?
A: He felt Gulzar allowed his role in Namak Haraam to be overshadowed by Rajesh Khanna, which Bachchan viewed as a betrayal.
Q2: What was Gulzar’s role in the film?
A: Gulzar was the writer of Namak Haraam, while Hrishikesh Mukherjee directed the film.
Q3: Was Rajesh Khanna given more importance in the film?
A: Yes, the narrative leaned more heavily on Khanna’s character, leading to tension between the actors and the creative team.
Q4: Did Amitabh and Gulzar reconcile later?
A: Though there is no public account of a formal reconciliation, both continued their careers and eventually worked in the same circles again.
Q5: What is the significance of Namak Haraam in Bollywood?
A: The film is considered a classic for its exploration of friendship and class conflict, and it marked a turning point in both actors' careers.
Published : On 7th July
Published : Pankaj
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