March 18, 2025: Rakesh Roshan, the filmmaker renowned for directing iconic films such as Koi Mil Gya and the Krrish series, has had his share of struggles in the film industry. Despite facing several setbacks during his acting and producing career, he eventually found success by directing. However, one of his most interesting stories about overcoming adversity involves a vow he took to "shave his head" if his directorial debut Khudgarz (1987) was successful.
At a time when most of Rakesh's films as an actor and producer had failed to make an impact at the box office, he saw Khudgarz as his last shot at success. The film, which he also wrote, was a pivotal moment in his career. Rakesh believed that if the film didn’t perform well, his career would be over. He reflected on the importance of Khudgarz, saying, "Khudgarz was my last chance as an actor, as a producer, and as a director. If that film wouldn't have done well, I didn’t know what I would be. I wouldn’t be sitting here."
In a desperate moment, he vowed to God that if Khudgarz succeeded, he would shave his head. "So, maine ek mannat li thi ki bhagwan agar ye picture chal jaaegi toh mai shave kar loonga. Aur picture chal gayi," he shared.
However, following through on his vow proved to be a challenge. He admitted that he hesitated when the time came to actually shave his head. He recounted, "Mujhe shave karne ki himmat nahi padi. I wrote Khoon Bhari Maang and Rekha agreed to it. The last day before my shooting, I decided to do it. I called the barber in the house at 6 in the morning. He stood before me for 1 hour. I was still hesitant at that time. I then decided to shave it."
Despite his nerves, Rakesh went ahead and shaved his head. The success of Khudgarz marked a turning point in his career, and he went on to direct some of Bollywood's biggest hits, including Karan Arjun, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Koi Mil Gya, and the Krrish franchise.
Before becoming a successful director, Rakesh had also been an actor in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in supporting roles in films such as Man Mandir, Khel Khel Mein, and Khandaan. His transition to directing marked the beginning of an extraordinary career that would solidify his place in Bollywood history.
Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by Disha Rojhe
