In 1966, director OP Ralhan‘s film ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ took the Indian film industry by storm, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. It enjoyed an impressive run in theaters for over 50 weeks and marked a significant turning point in the career of yesteryear actor Dharmendra, making his way to stardom. His compelling performance in the movie captured the hearts of audiences nationwide as he starred alongside the legendary actress Meena Kumari.Their on-screen chemistry garnered immense popularity, leading to their collaboration in subsequent projects such as ‘Chandan Ka Palna,’ ‘Majhli Didi,’ and ‘Baharon Ki Manzil.’
However, what might come as a surprise is that Dharmendra was not the first choice for the pivotal role in ‘Phool Aur Patthar.’ Reports reveal that the film’s storyline drew inspiration from a real-life incident, and OP Ralhan initially approached several stars for the lead role.
Among them, actor Sunil Dutt was the director’s first preference. However, Sunil Dutt declined the role due to concerns about the slightly scandalous nature of the story. He believed that the character did not align with his on-screen persona and was skeptical about the film’s box-office prospects. Had Sunil Dutt accepted the offer, it might have altered Dharmendra’s career trajectory, leading him to face more challenges before achieving stardom.
Dharmendra, an admirer of Meena Kumari, readily accepted the role when it was offered to him. His decision to take on the character marked a pivotal moment in his career, solidifying his status as a bankable star.
Notably, the film’s famous shirtless scene played a significant role in leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Dharmendra himself acknowledged its importance in his career, revealing how he suggested the scene to his director, OP Ralhan, to portray his character as a good-hearted individual. This iconic film’s storyline revolves around a gangster named Shaka (Dharmendra), who is assigned a task that leads him to a village and a fateful encounter with widowed daughter-in-law Shanti Devi (Meena Kumari), suffering from a disease, setting the stage for an unforgettable cinematic journey.
However, what might come as a surprise is that Dharmendra was not the first choice for the pivotal role in ‘Phool Aur Patthar.’ Reports reveal that the film’s storyline drew inspiration from a real-life incident, and OP Ralhan initially approached several stars for the lead role.
Among them, actor Sunil Dutt was the director’s first preference. However, Sunil Dutt declined the role due to concerns about the slightly scandalous nature of the story. He believed that the character did not align with his on-screen persona and was skeptical about the film’s box-office prospects. Had Sunil Dutt accepted the offer, it might have altered Dharmendra’s career trajectory, leading him to face more challenges before achieving stardom.
Dharmendra, an admirer of Meena Kumari, readily accepted the role when it was offered to him. His decision to take on the character marked a pivotal moment in his career, solidifying his status as a bankable star.
Notably, the film’s famous shirtless scene played a significant role in leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Dharmendra himself acknowledged its importance in his career, revealing how he suggested the scene to his director, OP Ralhan, to portray his character as a good-hearted individual. This iconic film’s storyline revolves around a gangster named Shaka (Dharmendra), who is assigned a task that leads him to a village and a fateful encounter with widowed daughter-in-law Shanti Devi (Meena Kumari), suffering from a disease, setting the stage for an unforgettable cinematic journey.
Dharmendra shares son Bobby Deol’s video from ‘Animal’ teaser and calls him ‘innocent’; internet has hilarious reactions
