Director Vijay Anand’s film ‘Ram Balram’, released in the 1980s, is counted among the most popular and successful films of Hindi cinema. In this film, the pair of superstar Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan were seen together on the big screen for the first time. Due to the strong story, great songs and star cast, the film achieved tremendous success at the box office and was well-liked among the audience.

There was controversy regarding starcast
As much as the film became famous for its story, its casting controversy also made headlines. According to the report of IMDb, there was a lot of buzz behind the scenes regarding the female lead in the film. It is said that Amitabh Bachchan wanted him to be paired with Rekha in the film. Amitabh had also put pressure on the producer to romance Rekha on screen. The then famous actress Zeenat Aman was angry with this decision. Zeenat wanted that she should get a strong and equal role in the film and not just a supporting character.

Dev Anand became Zeenat Aman’s support
To express her displeasure, Zeenat Aman spoke to her close friend Dev Anand. Dev Anand took Zeenat’s message to his brother and film director Vijay Anand. Zeenat and Dev Anand’s friendship was from the time of the 1971 film ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, due to which their views were taken seriously. The result was that Zeenat Aman got a place as the lead actress in the film.

Hit couples on screen
The pairing of Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan added a touch of romance to the film, while the chemistry of Zeenat Aman and Dharmendra was also appreciated by the audience. Both pairs proved to be hits. Even though Zeenat could not romance with Amitabh in this film. But he gave a tough competition to Rekha in the film.

Budget and collection of the film
According to the report of Sacnilk, the film Ram Balram was made at a cost of around Rs 2 crores. The film had earned Rs 9.5 crore at the box office. This was one of the top films of the year 1980. With this it became the third highest grossing film.

Ranjeet on rekha tantrum: Bollywood veteran actress Rekha is famous for acting with her beauty, Rekha’s films are also talked about a lot about her fingernails. It was not easy for the makers to raise the tantrums of the line. Recently, actor Ranjit has revealed that Rekha was dropped from his film due to her fingernails and asked for money. He has revealed this in a podcast.

Ranjit revealed about producing the film in an interview to Vicky Lalwani. He told that there was a time when he was bored by doing a bean role. After that he decided to make a film. He made a film feat. Which was produced and directed himself.

The first line was cast
Vinod Khanna, Farah Naz and Kimi were seen in the lead role in Ranjit’s feat. But Ranjith had first cast Rekha for this film. But at one time he was tired of Rekha’s fingernails. Ranjit said- I knew him from the time of Sawan Bhadon. There was a very close relationship between us. I used to get irritated when I used to go to work. He used to sit in the AC room and we used to work in the sun, so when I signed people for my film, I did not want the artist to help me without taking money.

Rekha was paid more fees
Ranjit said- I did Rekha and gave money. She was feeling ashamed but I insisted. I signed Rekha on her fees. Later I came to know that the second producer had signed him for Rs 5 lakh less. But I let it go. I told him- you are my friend, I am thinking about you because you are fit for my character. Asked him how much you charge and when you can start work.

Was upset with fingernails
Ranjit said- I knew about Rekha’s fingernails. Producers used to stand outside his house. My relationship with him was different. Mother later got upset with his fingernails. Ranjit said- She wanted to shoot during the day. I said- I have come to shoot all my work and not to shoot the film. I came to know very soon that I will also see standing at the door like other producers in a few days. I told him- Rekha, please I am shooting with my money. Return me my money. I can’t make a film with you. We separated on a friendly note.

Amitabh Bachchan was the reason
Ranjit told that at that time he was friendly with Amitabh Bachchan. She wanted to stay in Mumbai. I had to shoot out in a field outside Mumbai, she wanted to come back in the evening. My song was in the evening but she wanted to shoot during the day. I was fed up with his demand.

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