Parveen Babi Was First Choice For 'Silsila', Was Left Crying As Jaya Bachchan Replaced Her Abruptly

Amitabh Bachchan’s name was linked with many of his co-actresses, including Zeenat Aman, Parveen Babi, Smita Patil, and many others. However, one name, which is still associated with him, is that of evergreen actress, Rekha. For the uninitiated, Amitabh got married to Jaya Bhaduri, and the duo embarked on the journey of their ‘happily ever after' on June 3, 1973. Amitabh and Jaya are blessed with two children, Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan.

The controversial cast of the film, Silsila

It was during the time of Amitabh and Rekha's link-up rumours that the celebrated director, Yash Chopra, came up with the idea of making the film, Silsila. The blockbuster film was the on-screen portrayal of the off-screen love triangle between Rekha, Jaya and Amitabh. However, not many know that Parveen Babi was first chosen to be cast alongside Rekha and Amitabh in the 1981 film, but was replaced later.

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Parveen Babi, and not Jaya Bachchan, was the first choice for Silsila

In an interview with ANI, veteran actor, Ranjeet revealed that Parveen Babi was the first choice for Silsila, but she was later replaced by Jaya Bachchan. Talking about his bond with the late actress, Ranjeet shared that the latter was upset after not being cast in the film and was asked to leave. He further revealed that all this happened due to a gimmick controversy and said:

“She (Parveen Babi) was my dear friend… she was all alone. She was a beautiful lady. Always smiling and we used to call her ‘fawada‘ because of her teeth… Once she was very upset and she was crying. I asked her ‘Kya hua Parveen?’ We were in Kashmir. I don’t mind quoting because it’s a fact. A film was made, Silsila, and Parveen Babi was the original heroine but she was asked to leave. And because of a gimmick controversy, they cast Rekha and Jaya Bhaduri in the film otherwise it was Parveen and Rekha.”

Amitabh Bachchan agreed to work with Rekha, despite his promise to Jaya Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan's career was on the verge of doom when Yash Chopra came up with his idea for the film, Silsila. While Big B immediately agreed to do the film, he had a major challenge in front of him. It so happened that Yash wanted to cast Rekha as Amitabh's girlfriend in the film while Parveen Babi was supposed to be his on-screen wife. However, as Amitabh's link-up rumours with Rekha were affecting his marriage with Jaya, the latter had made him promise that he would never work with Rekha. But despite all this, Amitabh agreed to work in the film.

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Reason why Jaya Bachchan agreed to do Silsila alongside Rekha

Soon, the news of Amitabh and Rekha being cast in Silsila hit the headlines and left everyone shocked. Meanwhile, Jaya Bachchan had left her flourishing acting career to look after her household and two kids, Abhishek and Shweta. But she had already given an ultimatum to Amitabh that if ever did a single film with Rekha, she would also make her comeback. So, when Amitabh and Rekha teamed up for Silsila, Jaya also started planning her return to Bollywood. Silsila was the perfect film for Jaya to make her comeback, give a strong moral statement and help Amitabh’s falling career.

What are your views on Parveen Babi getting replaced by Jaya Bhaduri in Silsila?

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