In a fascinating revelation, it has come to light that Shah Rukh Khan was the initial choice for the lead role in Anil Kapoor’s iconic film, Nayak. This political thriller, which has now achieved cult status, could have had a very different face leading its narrative.
Nayak, directed by S Shankar, tells the story of a TV reporter who becomes the Chief Minister of a state for a day, bringing about significant changes. The film, which completed 20 years on September 7, 2021, did not initially set the box office on fire but gradually became one of the most watched films on television.
Shankar, a renowned South Indian filmmaker, was making his foray into Bollywood with Nayak. He had previously directed successful Tamil films like Mudhalvan, which Nayak is a remake of. The original Tamil version starred Arjun Sarja in the lead role. For the Hindi remake, Shankar first approached Aamir Khan. However, due to a significant communication gap and differing views on the film, Aamir declined the offer.
Shankar then turned to Shah Rukh Khan, who was more receptive to the idea. However, SRK had just played a television reporter in his home production, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, which had recently released. He was not keen on taking on a similar role so soon after, leading him to decline the offer as well.
At this juncture, Boney Kapoor suggested his brother, Anil Kapoor, for the role. Shankar, who had heard about Anil’s discipline and dedication, decided to take a chance on him. This decision proved to be a masterstroke. Anil Kapoor completed the film in record time, showcasing a level of discipline that Shankar had previously only seen in the South Indian film industry.
Anil Kapoor’s portrayal of Shivaji Rao, the TV reporter who becomes Chief Minister for a day, is now considered one of his most memorable performances. The film also starred Rani Mukerji as the romantic lead and the late Amrish Puri as the antagonist, Balraj Chauhan. The chemistry between the actors and the powerful performances contributed significantly to the film’s success.
Reflecting on the film’s journey, Anil Kapoor shared that he had a sense that Nayak would be special while making it. He believed in the film’s message and was determined to be a part of it, even after it was passed up by both Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. He pursued Shankar and convinced him to cast him in the lead role.
Kapoor also reminisced about the memorable moments during the film’s shoot. He recalled the challenging fight scenes, particularly the junkyard fight where he had to perform with almost no clothes on. Despite the lack of advanced technology at the time, the raw hard work and choreography made these scenes stand out.
The actor emphasized that for him, the craft of acting is paramount. He chooses films that help him grow personally and professionally, rather than just for their blockbuster potential. He believes that an artist is compelled to continue making art, regardless of how it is received. The audience’s connection with the film is what ultimately matters.
Nayak’s relevance has only grown over the years. Its portrayal of a common man taking on the political system and bringing about change resonates with audiences even today. The film’s subject matter, dealing with government corruption and the power of the people, remains as pertinent as ever.
Anil Kapoor’s performance as Shivaji Rao is now hard to imagine with any other actor. His dedication and belief in the film’s message have made Nayak a significant part of his filmography. The film’s journey from being passed up by two of Bollywood’s biggest stars to becoming a cult classic is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the film industry.
As Nayak continues to find new audiences and remains a popular film on television, it serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact of a well-crafted film. The film’s journey and Anil Kapoor’s performance will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
