'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' turns 29: Some lesser-known facts
The coming-of-age teenage romance-drama Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, starring Aamir Khan, Ayesha Jhulka and Pooja Bedi in the lead, released 29 years ago today. It made the actors household names and the film has since attained cult status. The Mansoor Khan-directorial cemented Aamir's position in the industry, as well as in hearts of the fans. Here are some lesser-known facts about the film.
Nearly 80% had to be reshot due to casting issues
The director revealed that almost 80% of the movie was re-shot because of major changes in the casting. Jhulka stepped in after actress Girija walked out of the film, mid shoot, saying the film was taking longer than the time she had committed. Jhulka had also suffered an on-set accident; she was pierced by a nail. Despite the immense pain, she shot her scenes.
Deepak Tijori bagged Shekhar's role after being rejected at auditions
Milind Soman, who was supposed to debut as the antagonist (of sorts) Shekhar Malhotra, quit the film after he started getting many modeling projects. Meanwhile, Deepak Tijori, who was initially rejected during the auditions, was called by producer Nasir Hussain and was offered the role.
The film made Rs. 5 crore at the box office
Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar initially did average business but picked up later, grossing Rs. 5 crore at the box office. Adjusted for inflation, the collection would be over Rs. 100 crore in the modern day. It also earned eight nominations at the 38th Filmfare Awards, but to the surprise of many, it took home only two trophies - Best Film and Best Editing.
'Pehla Nasha' was shot in Ooty, had different lyrics earlier
Although the film is set in Dehradun, many shots were filmed at Kodaikanal and Ooty. The classic song, Pehla Nasha, which is a visual treat with picturesque locations, was shot entirely in Ooty. Interestingly, it was written with different lyrics than what were finally used, revealed Jatin Pandit of composer duo Jatin-Lalit. It was veteran lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, who penned the now immortal lyrics
Did you know it was Imran Khan's first on-screen appearance?
We know Aamir's nephew Imran made his debut in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa but did you know his first appearance on the silver screen was in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar? He plays the role of a young Aamir Khan, who is a happy-go-lucky kid lost in his own world. Years later, he revealed that he cried all day after shooting the pants-down scene!
Akshay Kumar missed out over a bizarre reason
Akshay Kumar was the first choice for the role of Shekhar Malhotra and had auditioned for the same but missed out because the makers felt he played football in a weird way. Nagma was offered Bedi's part, and Aditya Pancholi was considered for playing Aamir's brother, which ultimately went to Mamik. We are glad none of that worked out; the final cast seemed perfect!
