The late yesteryear actor Raaj Kumar, known for his impactful performances and commanding personality, often made headlines not just for his films but also for his sometimes perceived arrogance. Having served as a police officer before venturing into acting, Raaj Kumar brought a stern and no-nonsense attitude to his roles. This demeanour, at times, affected his reputation, with some finding him to be high-handed and full of attitude.
One notable incident that showcases Raaj Kumar’s unfiltered nature involved the acclaimed director Ramanand Sagar. Ramanand Sagar, renowned for creating the revered TV show Ramayan, had a moment of humiliation at the hands of Raaj Kumar. This incident occurred during the narration of the script for the 1968 film Aankhen, a spy thriller that eventually became a trendsetter of its time, starring Dharmendra and Mala Sinha. Interestingly, Raaj Kumar was the initial choice for the suave spy hero in the film.
Ramanand Sagar, who both produced and directed the film, narrated the script to Raaj Kumar. However, after the session, Raaj Kumar reportedly rejected the film in a rather unusual and impolite manner. He called out to his pet dog and asked the canine whether it would be interested in doing the film. Naturally, the dog did not respond, and Raaj Kumar quipped to Ramanand Sagar, “If my dog is not ready to do the film, how do you expect me to?”. This unexpected and brusque response left Ramanand Sagar speechless, and as a result, the director never collaborated with Raaj Kumar again.
Subsequently, Dharmendra, a relative newcomer at the time, was cast in the lead role, and Aankhen became the first Hindi film to be shot in Beirut. The movie achieved success at the box office, and Ramanand Sagar was honoured with the Filmfare Best Director Award for his work on the film.
In this incident, Raaj Kumar’s straightforward rejection and unconventional approach to declining the film left an indelible mark, and his comment involving his pet dog became part of Bollywood lore.
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