Veteran filmmaker and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani recently opened up about Madhuri Dixit’s early years in the film industry. In a clear conversation with PinkvillaHe revealed how Madhuri once rejected a film in front of Govinda, which was then a newcomer.
He said that the decision, his then manager Rikku was greatly influenced by Rakesh Nath, and eventually pushed him to cast him instead of Neelam Kothari.
Madhuri Dixit did not say Govinda’s first film
Nihalani remembered that he first met Govinda through Rikku and even recommended Rikku as Madhuri’s manager. Sharing the details, he said: “I signed Govinda in front of Maduri, and I appointed Rikku as a secretary. Later, Rikku and 8–10 manufacturers formed a group against Govinda. He added pages to the script, but none of those films was made. I changed Madhuri with Nelm Kothari.”
While Nihalani did not clearly name the project, he indicated that it was Accusation (1986), the film which eventually started the career of Govinda. At that time, Madhuri had already painted in films Abod And Avara fatherAnd allegedly followed his manager’s advice not to work with the newcomers. The film, which he rejected, turned into a box-office success.
Why did Pahalaj Nihalani get angry with Madhuri
The filmmaker admitted that repeated refuses from Madhuri disappointed her. He recalled, “Later I offered him another film, Aag hi aagBut whatever films Madhuri were doing, they stopped. Again, I cast Neelam Aag hi aagThen i introduced it Papa duniyaI got angry that Madhuri was refusing whatever films that brought to her, and the newcomer Rikku made an excuse. I then court him in an interview. All Madhuri’s films were shut down or a flop was declared, but all three of my films were Golden Jubilee Hits at the same time. ,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yot9gg00vqi
Rikku request and acid turning point
Nihalani also shared that Madhuri’s manager Rikku once came to her in tears, requesting that he at least holds a maharat for her.
“Even though you don’t make a film with Madhuri, please catch a maharat for her, Rikku allegedly begs.
At that time, the industry was facing challenges due to video piracy, and Mahurat became rare. Nihalani agreed and organized three, one of which included Madhuri, Anil Kapoor and Chunky Pandey. That project came out Acid– Blockbuster which turned Madhuri into a star.
No direct meetings with Madhuri
According to Nihalani, he did not meet Madhuri directly during this phase.
He said, “She never met me personally;
Despite the initial failures, Madhuri and Govinda later moved to work together in films like that Sahiban, PapAnd PronouncedThe middle of other people is increasing its place as co-scriptures.
