Labeled 'Kanjoos,' Sanjeev Kumar's Rs1.25 Lakh Gesture Helped Launch Anil Kapoor's Career

Actor Anil Kapoor, known for his legendary roles, made his debut with Woh Saath Din, a film produced by his elder brother, Boney Kapoor. At that time, both actors were new to their respective fields. Before Woh Saat Din, Boney Kapoor had produced only one film, Hum Paanch. In an old interview, he shared that he had difficulty buying the remake rights to Woh Saat Din until two renowned actors, Sanjeev Kumar and Shabana Azmi, stepped in to help him.

Sanjeev Kumar helped Boney Kapoor buy Woh Saat Din rights 

Long before becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest producers, Boney Kapoor struggled to make a mark in the film industry. After producing his first film, Hum Paanch, he wanted to launch his brother, Anil Kapoor, as a leading actor. He set his eyes on remaking the Tamil hit Andha 7 Naatkal, which later became Woh Saat Din, the film that changed Anil Kapoor’s career forever. However, buying the remake rights was not easy. In a recent throwback interview, Boney recalled that he faced tough competition in Chennai, where several producers were trying to buy the rights. To make matters worse, the original producer of the Tamil film urgently needed Rs 1.25 lakh to repay a financier. Without this payment, the deal could not move forward. 

Boney was desperate to arrange the money but couldn’t find it immediately. That’s when two respected actors, Sanjeev Kumar and Shabana Azmi, stepped in to help him. According to Boney, Shabana Azmi was the first to offer help. She gave him Rs. 25,000 to contribute toward the deal. Shortly after, Sanjeev Kumar quietly decided to help in a much bigger way. Boney shared that Sanjeev called him to his hotel room the next morning and told him to check under a pillow. There, wrapped neatly, was the full amount of Rs. 1.25 lakh in cash. Sanjeev told him, ‘Take it and buy the rights immediately.’ It was an unexpected act of kindness that deeply moved Boney.

The story became even more remarkable because Sanjeev Kumar was often labelled kanjoos by people in the industry. With the money in hand, Boney Kapoor quickly closed the deal for the Hindi remake rights. The project was soon underway, and Woh Saat Din went on to become a hit. Directed by Bapu and released in 1983, the film starred Anil Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, and Naseeruddin Shah in lead roles. It marked Anil’s breakthrough performance and marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.

Sanjeev Kumar’s iconic movies and roles

Sanjeev Kumar was an Indian actor known as one of the greatest and finest actors of Indian cinema. He acted in a wide range of genres, ranging from romantic drama to thriller. Sanjeev Kumar's most iconic roles include ‘Thakur Baldev Singh’ in Sholay, the double role in Angoor, and the deaf-mute husband in Koshish. Other memorable movies showcase his versatility in both comedic roles, such as Manchali and Pati Patni Aur Woh and intense performances in films like Mausam and Trishul. He also delivered a classic performance in Naya Din Nai Raat, where he played nine different roles.

What are your thoughts on the help that Sanjeev Kapoor offered to Boney Kapoor?

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