How Sanjeev Kumar got Jaya Bachchan into Silsila, and the one condition she set

Yash Chopra's 1981 drama Silsila is still remembered as much for its casting story as for its tale of infidelity. Chopra took on the project at a tense point in his career. Several of his films, Kaala Patthar among them, had flopped, and he could not risk another failure.

His first choice for the two female leads was Smita Patil and Parveen Babi, with Amitabh Bachchan as the hero. Just before shooting was due to start, both actresses were dropped. According to film journalist Hanif Zaveri, Parveen was facing serious health problems at the time, and Smita was removed soon after. Chopra then turned to Rekha and Jaya Bachchan.

Rekha said yes straight away, but Jaya held back. Talk of a romance between Amitabh and Rekha was everywhere then, and she was reportedly uneasy about joining them in a film about an affair. Sanjeev Kumar changed her mind. Zaveri says the two grew very close while making Gulzar's Koshish, which won Sanjeev a National Award. Jaya even tied a Rakhi on him, and he treated her as his sister. Knowing this, Chopra asked Sanjeev to speak to her.

Jaya finally agreed, but on one condition. She wanted to be on set every day, even on days she had no scenes. Asked why, Zaveri answered simply: "Because of Rekha, obviously."

Chopra later shared his own version with Shah Rukh Khan. He said Amitabh asked him if he was truly happy with the first cast. When Chopra said he wanted Amitabh, Jaya and Rekha, the star went quiet for a long moment, then agreed and left it to Chopra to win over the two actresses. Chopra laughed as he recalled asking both women to make sure there was no trouble on set.

Parveen took the change badly. Veteran actor Ranjeet has said he once found her in tears in Kashmir over losing the role. Zaveri claims Amitabh noticed a change in her behaviour and her weight during the Kaalia shoot and called Chopra, who then let her go. Parveen reportedly came to believe Amitabh had planned her exit.