DID YOU KNOW? Divya Bharti Was Once Cast Alongside Chunky Pandey For Aankhen, Pahlaj Nihalani Shares How the Late Actress Threw Tantrums And Left The Project

Ex-CBFC chairman Pahlaj Nihalani recalls meeting the late Divya Bharti and casting her opposite Chunky Pandey for Aankhen and how she left the project

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DID YOU KNOW? Divya Bharti Was Once Cast Alongside Chunky Pandey For Aankhen, Pahlaj Nihalani Shares How the Late Actress Threw Tantrums And Left The Project
Renowned filmmaker and former chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, Pahlaj Nihalani, recently shared insights about his relationships with various Bollywood actors and his extensive experience as a leading producer. The filmmaker, credited with producing over ten films, including titles like Shola Aur Shabnam, Ilzaam, and Andaz, delved into his memories of working alongside the late actor Divya Bharti. Nihalani disclosed the reasons behind Divya's refusal to join a particular project, recalling their initial meeting. ALSO READ | OMG 2 Director Amit Rai Upset With Film's Netflix Release That Will Have 27 Cuts, Slams CBFC, Says 'Didn't Rocky Aur Rani Have Kissing Scenes?'

He recounted that Divya had been slated to feature in the film Aankhen, alongside Chunky Pandey. However, upon learning that she would be paired opposite Chunky, she reportedly exhibited considerable reluctance and threw a series of tantrums.In a recent interview with Bollywood Thikana, Pahlaj Nihalani unveiled that his initial encounter with Divya Bharti happened thanks to Sunny Deol's secretary, who shared pictures of her with him. Nihalani recalled advising Divya to shed some weight to secure a role in his film. ALSO READ | Salman Khan On Why Vulgar And Violent Scenes On OTT Should Be Censored; Says, ‘Apko Acha Lagega Apki Choti Si Beti Ye Sab Dekhe’ 

However, by the time she had achieved the desired weight loss and joined the cast of Shola Aur Shabnam, the production was nearly completed. Astonishingly, the entire film had been shot without a female lead, with only 5-6 days of work left when Divya joined. Nihalani noted that after their in-person meeting, he was impressed by her personality and consequently offered her additional film projects.


The ex-CBFC chainman further proceeded and revealed how he selected Divya for a role in his movie Aankhen. He disclosed that when Divya learned that she would be paired opposite Chunky Pandey, she erupted in a massive tantrum, making threats. Nihalani further shares how Divya insisted on meeting him and, during their encounter, confronted him with the rumor of her being cast alongside Chunky. According to Pahlaj, Divya adamantly declined to work in the film alongside Chunky and subsequently departed from the project.

In the 1990s, Divya Bharti emerged as one of the most beloved leading ladies in Bollywood. She shared the screen with notable actors like Shah Rukh Khan in Deewana (1992) and Dil Ashna Hai (1992), Govinda in Shola Aur Shabnam (1991), and Sunny Deol in Vishwatma (1992). In 1992, she tied the knot with producer Sajid Nadiadwala. She was one of the 90s era's highest-paid actresses in Bollywood.

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