The world of Bollywood is full of fascinating stories, and one such tale has recently come to light, courtesy of veteran actor Gulshan Grover. In a candid interview with ETimes, Grover reminisced about his journey in the film industry, including his experiences working on the 1983 hit film “Avtaar,” alongside Rajesh Khanna and Shabana Azmi. What’s more, he also revealed some interesting details about the personal lives of his co-stars, including Rajesh Khanna’s alleged relationship with Tina Munim, who is now known as Tina Ambani, the wife of Anil Ambani.
Grover’s path to becoming a part of “Avtaar” was nothing short of intriguing. At the time, he was struggling to find work and was often forced to visit his friend, writer-director Vinay Shukla, for meals because he couldn’t afford to feed himself. It was during one of these visits, with his worn-out socks making a statement of their own, that Shabana Azmi, who was already at Shukla’s residence, noticed his plight. Azmi, moved by Grover’s situation, asked him if he had any good photos of himself, to which Grover lied, saying he did. She then invited him over the next day, and with the help of a photographer friend, Nath Gupta, Grover managed to get some pictures taken and presented them to Azmi as requested.
These photos eventually made their way to Mohan Kumar, the director of “Avtaar,” who was looking for someone to play the role of Rajesh Khanna and Shabana Azmi’s son in the film. Despite initial reservations from Kumar’s team about Grover’s suitability for the role, Azmi’s recommendation and Grover’s own determination eventually won them over. Grover recalled how Kumar, despite initial doubts, recognized his potential and decided to give him a chance, a decision that would prove to be beneficial for the film.
The filming process itself held many memorable moments for Grover, including a scene where he had to confront his on-screen parents, played by Rajesh Khanna and Shabana Azmi, about their responsibilities towards him. This scene required Azmi to slap Grover, which she did a total of 15 times to get the shot just right. Grover remembered the intensity of the scene, which was heightened by Azmi’s tears and the emotional depth she brought to her character’s frustration and pain.
Another interesting aspect of Grover’s experience during the filming of “Avtaar” was his interaction with Rajesh Khanna. At the time, there were rumors of Khanna dating Tina Munim, who had previously been in a relationship with Sanjay Dutt, a friend of Grover’s. Despite expecting Khanna to be aloof or hostile due to his connection with Dutt, Grover found Khanna to be warm and welcoming. This was partly due to Shabana Azmi’s supportive role on set, where she acted as a sort of mentor to Grover, helping him navigate the complexities of filming and ensuring he felt at ease.
In a heartwarming display of kindness, director Mohan Kumar, upon learning of Grover’s financial struggles, decided to double his remuneration for the film. Kumar also advised Grover to keep the costumes from the film, foreseeing that they would be useful for future events and parties, a gesture that spoke volumes about Kumar’s generosity and foresight.
The story of Gulshan Grover’s journey with “Avtaar” is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where talent, perseverance, and a bit of luck can lead to remarkable opportunities. It also highlights the enduring bonds and mentorships that can form between actors and directors, shaping not just their careers but their personal lives as well. As Grover looks back on his time working on “Avtaar,” it’s clear that the experience had a profound impact on him, both professionally and personally, offering a glimpse into the intricate web of relationships and challenges that define the world of Bollywood.