Why Shashi Kapoor Got Amitabh Bachchan's Scenes Removed From This Film

Amitabh Bachchan is one of the legendary actors of the Hindi cinema. In a career spanning many decades, he has entertained the audience with his acting in many films like Black, Pink, etc. However, during the struggling stages of his career, the Black actor had to endure tough times and spent many nights sleeping on the benches of Marine Drive. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Amitabh Bachchan credited the late actor Shashi Kapoor for playing a significant role in his career. The 81-year-old actor recalled that Shashi Kapoor was working in the James Ivory – Ismail Merchant Production of the film Filmvalas. The Black actor recalled that he was roped into the film as a crowd member in the scene that showed Shashi Ji’s character’s death. Amitabh Bachchan remembered that the New Delhi Times actor was not pleased to see him in the crowd and asked him to move. Later Shashi Kapoor advised Amitabh Bachchan to not do these bit parts as he was made for better things. The late actor then spoke to the director to delete those portions of Big B from the film.

Later, Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan went on to act in many successful films like Kaala Patthar, Shaan, Namak Halaal, Akayla, Deewaar, etc. Amongst these films, Deewaar is one of their most remembered projects. This film, directed by Yash Chopra, acquired the status of a cult classic upon its release. Deewaar established Amitabh Bachchan as a superstar for his role as the angry young man. The dialogue, music, acting and other aspects of this film also struck a chord with the audience.

One of the most famous dialogues in Deewaar is “Mere Paas Maa Hain (I have a mother)" spoken by Ravi Verma (Shashi Kapoor). He speaks this dialogue when Vijay Verma (Amitabh Bachchan) boasts of his massive wealth in front of him. This iconic dialogue, which puts the mother’s position on a higher pedestal still resonates with the audience.

Deewaar starred Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi, Neetu Singh, Manmohan Krishna, Madan Puri, Iftekhar and others. This film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.