Subhash Ghai shares an intriguing anecdote about Raaj Kumar in ‘Saudagar

Raaj Kumar, renowned for his unique dialogue delivery, was a celebrated star in Indian cinema, known for his roles in classics like ‘Tiranga’, ‘Pakeeza’, and ‘Heer Ranjha’. Despite a longstanding rift with fellow legend Dilip Kumar, both actors united for Subhash Ghai’s hit film ‘Saudagar’, ending a 30-year separation.

Bringing these two icons together for ‘Saudagar’ was a challenge for Ghai. In a recent interview with ANI, he reminisced about the duo’s reaction to collaborating after decades. Ghai shared that Dilip Kumar, having worked with him before, quickly agreed to the film but was curious about who would play the second lead. Upon hearing Raaj Kumar’s name, he trusted Ghai’s decision.

When Ghai approached Raaj Kumar with the story, he too inquired about the other lead. Learning that it would be Dilip Kumar, Raaj Kumar famously responded, “If there’s anyone I consider an actor apart from myself, it is Dilip Kumar.”

The two had previously co-starred in the 1959 film ‘Paigham’. ‘Saudagar’, which also introduced Vivek Mushran and Manisha Koirala, and featured Jackie Shroff and Amrish Puri, is part of Ghai’s impressive filmography including ‘Karz’, ‘Hero’, and ‘Khalnayak’.