Sanjay Dutt rejected this film, the movie made Madhuri Dixit’s hero an overnight star, his name is…, the film was…
GH News March 17, 2025 10:06 AM

Subhash Ghais cult classic Hero has completed over 40 years in the industry. Released in 1983 it marked Jackie Shroffs breakthrough film catapulted him to immense success. The actor found his fortune by leading the classic love drama but its interesting to know that he wasnt the original choice for the role.
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai initially cast Sanjay Dutt for the film however replaced him due to his unprofessionalism. According to media reports Subhash Ghai had initially signed Dutt for two films Hero and Vidhaata. But during the making of Vidhaata Subhash had to deal with the actors immature behaviour. At that time he was struggling with drug addiction and his unprofessionalism frustrated Ghai to such an extent that he decided to replace him for Hero.
After removing Dutt from the project Subhash reportedly reached out to Kamal Hassan. However the superstar had to decline due to scheduling conflicts as he was managing projects in both North and South cinema. As a result he couldnt commit to Ghais film.
After Kamal Hassan turned down the offer Subhash approached Kumar Gaurav. However Kumars father the legendary Rajendra Kumar reportedly asked for a hefty amount on the behalf of his son leaving Subhash disheartened. Following these consecutive rejections the filmmaker decided to cast a fresh face and thats how Jackie Shroff found his breakthrough role. Hero also featured Meenakshi Seshadri alongside Shroff with a supporting cast including Sanjeev Kumar Shammi Kapoor Shakti Kapoor and Bindu.