Dilip Kumar remains a source of inspiration for many actors and aspirants of cinema. He delivered several legendary performances in films like ‘Devdas’ and ‘Mughal-E-Azam’. However, the actor had a few regrets about projects he turned down, including ‘Pyaasa’, Baiju Bawra‘, and ‘Lawrence of Arabia‘.
Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar recently shared an intriguing conversation he once had with Dilip about the films he wished he had done. Speaking at the launch of ‘Aamir Khan: Cinema Ka Jadugar’, a special film festival by one of the leading Indian multiplex chains, he recalled asking Dilip about the movies he regretted missing out on. His answers were Pyaasa, Baiju Bawra, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Providing further insight, Akhtar explained that Baiju Bawra had indeed been offered to the legendary actor, but he ultimately did not take up the role. Similarly, Pyaasa was another opportunity that Dilip declined, despite director Guru Dutt’s persistence. Akhtar revealed, “Not only did Guru Dutt offer Pyaasa to Dilip saab, but he also organised a special screening for him after shooting seven reels of the movie. Guru Dutt told him, ‘Please watch this. The movie is yours; I am only doing it out of compulsion. If you are willing to do it, I will reshoot the seven reels.’ However, Dilip saab turned down the offer, explaining that he was already doing Devdas, which featured a similar love triangle. He regretted this decision later.”
Javed further revealed that David Lean wanted Dilip to play Sherif Ali ibn el Kharish in ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, but the role eventually went to Omar Sharif.
Reacting to this revelation, Aamir Khan commented that Dilip Kumar was right to refuse the part. “He shouldn’t have done anything less than the titular role.” Aamir expressed this sentiment as he is a huge fan of Dilip.
Dilip reportedly turned down ‘Zanjeer‘, which propelled Amitabh Bachchan to stardom as the ‘angry young man.’ Additionally, he declined the iconic role of Thakur in Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay, which was eventually portrayed by Sanjeev Kumar.
