Filmmaker Rajiv Rai, known for delivering some of the most memorable action-entertainers of the 80s and 90s, recently opened up about a lesser-known casting story that has caught the attention of Bollywood buffs. While speaking about the making of his 1985 hit film Yudh, Rai revealed that actor Raj Kiran was initially his first choice for the lead role, the same role that would eventually go to Anil Kapoor, becoming one of the earliest films to showcase Kapoor’s now-iconic screen presence.
In a candid conversation, the director admitted, “If I’m being honest, I had approached Raj Kiran first. I thought he fit the emotional complexity of the character beautifully. But for some reason, things didn’t materialize. Eventually, we brought Anil Kapoor on board, and while he did a fantastic job, I sometimes wonder if Raj might’ve brought a different depth to the role. I think I might have made a mistake there.”
The Role That Defined ‘Jhakaas’
The film Yudh might not be the most cited in Anil Kapoor’s filmography today, but at the time, it marked a major milestone. Kapoor’s energetic performance, combined with his unique style and youthful charisma, stood out and contributed to shaping his larger-than-life screen persona. It was during this phase that the word “Jhakaas” became synonymous with Kapoor—a slang term that he popularized with great ease, turning it into a Bollywood catchphrase.
However, Rai’s recent statement has sparked a wave of curiosity among fans and film historians alike. What would that role—and the film itself—have looked like with Raj Kiran, the soft-spoken, intense actor known for his emotionally layered performances in films like Karz and Arth?
Raj Kiran: The Road Not Taken
Raj Kiran, during the early 80s, was on a strong trajectory. Known for his expressive eyes and understated delivery, he had carved a niche as a dependable actor for roles requiring subtlety and pathos. Rai’s decision to consider him for the part reflects the original intention to ground the character in realism and emotional depth.
“I visualized the character as someone brooding and torn from within. Raj had that natural vulnerability,” Rai explained. “Anil brought a different kind of energy. He was dynamic, sharp, and flashy—it changed the tone of the character, and in turn, the entire film’s vibe.”
Anil Kapoor’s Rise and Rai’s Regret
Interestingly, despite his regret, Rajiv Rai doesn’t diminish Kapoor’s contribution. In fact, he credits the actor for “making the part his own” and embracing the commercial flavor that Yudh eventually leaned into.
“Anil was fresh, and he gave it his 200%. The audience loved him. But from a director’s perspective, I still wonder—did I steer away from what the story truly needed? That question still lingers,” Rai said.
His honest reflection has sparked conversations online about casting decisions that changed the course of Bollywood careers. While Anil Kapoor went on to become one of the most bankable stars of Indian cinema, Raj Kiran’s career eventually faded, with his sudden disappearance from the industry becoming one of Bollywood’s tragic mysteries in the years that followed.
A Moment of Reflection
For Rai, now revisiting his own legacy, these casting what-ifs seem to be part of a broader reflection on choices made in the chaos and pressure of filmmaking. “Filmmaking is about instincts,” he said. “Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. But when you’re in it, you go with your gut. I just wish I had given Raj Kiran a longer conversation at the time.”
As for fans, the revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into how a single casting change can shape not just a film—but the entire trajectory of an actor’s journey. Would Raj Kiran have gained a second wave of superstardom? Or would Yudh have had a completely different tone under his command?
One thing is certain: the world of cinema is filled with such untold stories, and this one adds yet another layer to the ever-evolving narrative of Bollywood’s golden era.
