Patekar explained that he was supposed to portray the role, while Naseeruddin Shah was slated to play the character of Anna.
However, when Naseer backed out, Patekar was brought on board. But according to the actor, Anil Kapoor intervened and requested director Vidhu Vinod Chopra to drop Patekar from the film. “I recently asked Anil if he had influencedVinod to drop me from the film. Anil responded, saying, ‘I thought, why should I make Nana the star?'” Patekar revealed to Lallantop . Kapoor believed that if had Patekar played the role of Jackie, he would have emerged as the star of the film, overshadowing Kapoor’s own prominence.
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Patekar, however, was unfazed by Kapoor’s concerns. “I told Anil, ‘Didn’t I tell you that no matter what role you give me, I would still become the star? Nobody would look at you,'” Patekar recounted.
Despite the initial setback, Patekar’s association with ‘Parinda’ continued. Three to four months later, Vidhu Vinod Chopra approached him with the role of Anna, which Patekar eventually played.
While Patekar admitted to feeling angry at first, he eventually agreed to the offer, with Chopra assuring him that he would be paid his market rate. Patekar also revealed that he has had other issues with Vidhu Vinod Chopra over the years, and whenever they meet, he hopes it will be the last time.
In the same interview, Patekar also shed light on why he and Anil Kapoor declined to be a part of the upcoming third installment of the ‘Welcome’ franchise, ‘Welcome to the Jungle‘. The actor stated that the makers approached them, but they declined because the story lacked substance and they didn’t find it enjoyable.
Patekar’s candid recollection of the events surrounding ‘Parinda’ and his relationship with Anil Kapoor and Vidhu Vinod Chopra provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the industry. Despite the past differences, Patekar suggests that he and Kapoor have since mended their relationship, underscoring the resilience of their bond as veteran actors in the Bollywood landscape.
