Raaj Kumar and Dilip Kumar, two dominant personalities in Indian cinema, have been seen as icons, but as per reports, they were not on good terms. This became evident during the shooting of Ramanand Sagar’s 1959 comedy-drama “Paigham,” where Raj Kumar had to deliver a slap to Dilip Kumar. However, after the scene was completed, the slap was unexpectedly hard, causing Dilip Kumar to become angry. Subsequently, the two never worked together for many years until Subhash Ghai orchestrated their reunion for “Saudagar.”
Director Subhash Ghai was resolute in his decision to cast both of them in his film. He recollects, “When I completed the script of Saudagar and was about to go to Dilip Ji to narrate it, my writer told me, ‘Do you know Dilip and Raaj are enemies for the past 36 years?’ I got scared. But I thought let’s try at least. When he agreed to do the film, I told him Raaj is his co-actor and ran away from his house, without giving him a chance to react. I didn’t go to meet for the next 5-6 days,” the filmmaker told Nation Next in an old interview.
Later, when Ghai went to Raaj Kumar with the script and asked who will be playing the role of his friend, he told him in a mellow tone, “Since I am not able to cast any big name, I am thinking of taking Dilip Kumar.” A few moments later, Raaj, to Ghai’s surprise, responded by saying, “Jaani, iss duniya mein hum apne baad kissi ko actor maante hain to vo hai Dilip Kumar. This role suits him. (Dear, if I consider someone an actor after myself, it is Dilip Kumar)”.
Following Raaj Kumar’s approval, Ghai approached Dilip Kumar and conveyed what Raaj had stated about him. This pivotal moment marked a turning point, leading to Dilip Kumar’s agreement to join the film.