Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has been an iconic name in the Indian film industry. Responsible for some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic films like Arth and Saaransh, the veteran director spoke to Radio Nasha about his 1986 hit film Naam. In conversation, Mahesh Bhatt revealed how this film was a dream come true for him as it marked his association with Salim Khan.
He also praised Nutan and told how Sanjay Dutt came on board for this project. Sharing all these details, Mahesh said that Dilip Kumar was the first choice for the lead role in Naam, but the actor turned down the film due to money issues.
Talking about Naam and working with Salim Khan, Mahesh Bhatt said, “I liked Naam especially because I had worked with Salim Khan sir, he was an extraordinary part of that film. He was going through a bad phase due to Salim-Javed’s separation and was looking for a film that could bring him that kind of appreciation.
Rajendra Kumar Sahab decided to make this film, Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) had returned from America after getting rid of his drug addiction and he had this hunger inside him because he felt that he had disappointed his father, so He wanted to prove himself. When all authentic needs are met, something great happens. The main locomotive named was Salim Saheb.”
He also praised Kumar Gaurav and Nutan for their contributions to the film and said, “Kumar Gaurav was excellent in the film, and Sanju’s performance stands out in the film because of him.” Nutanji was like a gift to the film, she was something else. Even though the shift started at 9:30 am, she would arrive at 7 am to prepare alone for the role, it was a different kind of discipline. She was an excellent actress.”
Sharing an incident where Salim Khan wanted Dilip Kumar for the name, he shared, “We came very close to taking Dilip Kumarji on board. Musheer-Riaz (producer duo) had contacted us and the talks had also started.Due to some price negotiations in those days, their equations became very personal. Salim Sahab wanted Dilip Sahab to do a film, so he asked me to find out about it, I called him and he said, ‘I do not intend to disrespect anyone, I am not someone who will keep postponing dates. And will keep moving the meeting forward, the problem is ‘Musheer is very stingy in money matters, his hands do not go into his pockets easily.’ The matter could not be resolved due to money transaction.
The name received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards.
Mahesh Bhatt state Dilip Kumar refused Sanjay Dutt’s role in ‘Naam’: ‘During the money conversation…’
