Amitabh Bachchan’s 1999 film ‘Sooryavansham’ is still a hot topic, with fans reminiscing about his dual role that made the movie a massive hit. The film marked a significant comeback for Bachchan, who had taken a break from acting after his production company, ABCL, was declared bankrupt, leaving him deeply in debt. Between 1994 and 1999, he had appeared in just a handful of films: ‘Mrityudata’, ‘Major Saab’, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, and ‘Lal Baadshah’.
A Lucky Break for Rajesh Khattar
In an interview with ‘Friday Talkies’, Rajesh Khattar, who starred alongside Bachchan in ‘Sooryavansham’, shared some behind-the-scenes stories. Khattar revealed that he was initially hesitant when approached for two roles – Bachchan’s brother and son – but didn’t want to pass up the chance to work with the acting legend. “I didn’t even watch the original film,” Khattar admitted. “I just wanted to work with Bachchan, so I didn’t want to risk losing the opportunity.”
Khattar’s decision was driven by the fact that Bachchan was making a comeback after a long hiatus. “I thought, what if he decides to leave acting again? I didn’t want to miss out,” Khattar explained. His gamble paid off, and the film became a major success.
A Memorable First Day
Khattar recalled his first day on set, where he was tasked with a scene that required him to shout at Bachchan’s character. Initially nervous, he got the hang of it after a couple of takes. The two actors had a great introduction, and Khattar still gets goosebumps thinking about it. “I just had to get it right,” Khattar said, reflecting on the experience. The film may be over two decades old, but the memories of working with Bachchan remain fresh for Khattar.
Some of the key facts about ‘Sooryavansham’ include:
- Released in 1999
- Amitabh Bachchan played a dual role
- Marked Bachchan’s comeback after a long hiatus
- Rajesh Khattar played the roles of Bachchan’s brother and son
The film’s success was a significant milestone in Bachchan’s career, helping him recover from his financial struggles. For Khattar, it was a valuable experience working alongside a legend like Bachchan.