Biwi No. 1 Turns 25: Did You Know Salman was Not the First Choice as Lead?

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MAY 29,2024

On May 28, "Biwi No. 1" celebrated its 25th anniversary. This milestone marks the film's enduring popularity in Indian cinema. Starring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen in the lead roles, the film also featured Anil Kapoor and Tabu in significant supporting roles. Directed by David Dhawan, this comedy-drama became a major box-office success and is fondly remembered for its engaging story and stellar cast.

Salman Khan wasn't the first choice for Biwi No. 1 it was Govinda

In an interesting twist, Salman Khan was not the first choice for the lead role in "Biwi No. 1." Director David Dhawan originally envisioned Govinda for the part of Prem. Govinda and Dhawan had a successful partnership, having worked together on hits like "Coolie No. 1," "Hero No. 1," "Aunty No. 1," "Anari No. 1," and "Jodi No. 1."

The role of the unfaithful husband was specially written with Govinda in mind. At the time, his on-screen pairing with Karisma Kapoor was immensely popular. However, Govinda declined the role for several reasons. Firstly, he was uncomfortable working with Sushmita Sen, who was cast as Rupali. Secondly, his schedule was packed, leaving no free dates for the film. Lastly, Govinda had recently portrayed similar roles in two other films and did not want to repeat the character.

Govinda returned the signing amount to producer Vashu Bhagnani, paving the way for Salman Khan to step in. This decision ultimately shaped the film's success, with Salman delivering a memorable performance.

Also Read: From Bade Miyan Chote Miyan To Hero No.1: 5 All-Time Best Movies Of Govinda That You Must Watch!

The secret behind Biwi No. 1's box office success

The success of "Biwi No. 1" can be attributed to its near-perfect cast. Salman Khan played the role of Prem, a cheating husband. Karisma Kapoor portrayed Pooja, the devoted wife determined to win her husband back. Sushmita Sen's character, Rupali, was the modern woman who had captured Prem's affection. Anil Kapoor played the loyal friend who stood by Prem through thick and thin.

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The film's slightly controversial theme, revolving around infidelity and marital discord, was handled with a mix of humour and sensitivity. This blend resonated well with the audience, transforming the slapstick narrative into a box-office hit. David Dhawan, renowned for his expertise in slapstick comedy, directed the film with a light-hearted touch that appealed to a broad audience.

Interestingly, "Biwi No. 1" is a remake of the 1995 Tamil film "Sathi Leelavathi," which starred Ramesh Aravind, Kalpana, Heera, Kovai Sarala, and Kamal Haasan. Moreover, "Sathi Leelavathi" itself was based on the Hollywood movie "She-Devil."

As "Biwi No. 1" marks its silver jubilee, it's clear that the film's charm and humour continue to resonate with audiences. The combination of a talented cast, a skilled director, and a story that balances comedy with a touch of controversy has cemented its place in the annals of Bollywood history.